Scenes from the anti-lockdown protests in Cape Town, on Saturday 6 February – Craig Peiser can be seen centre-right of shot – Photo: Twitter screenshot
Scenes from the anti-lockdown protests in Cape Town, on Saturday 6 February – Craig Peiser can be seen centre-right of shot – Photo: Twitter screenshot
A staunch anti-mask crusader ended up securing himself two nights in Pollsmore Prison on Monday, after his erratic behaviour raised some serious alarm bells. Craig Peiser, who is alleged to have assaulted a Cape Town journalist during a protest against lockdown on Saturday, is due back in court later this week – once he’s had a psychiatric evaluation.
Anti-mask protester kicks-off in court
The bizarre clash between the defendant and other court officials erupted earlier this morning. Each time Peiser was confronted, things escalated to a higher level. His appearance proved to be both fractious and farcical:
- – His day started in prickly fashion, as he began arguing with a security guard about mask-wearing upon arrival.
- – One official warned Peiser to ‘lower his voice’ before entering the premises.
- – However, the anti-masker ignored pleas to calm down, throwing his mask on the floor in a fit of rage.
- – The tantrum continued inside of Simonstown Magistrate’s Court, as his lack of a face-covering sparked concern.
- – Peiser could be heard sharing debunked COVID-19 conspiracies, and only put his mask on to enter the courtroom.
- – The fun didn’t stop there, however. The protester swore, shouted, and claimed he was ‘in control’ of proceedings.
#JournalistAssault The suspect has lost his temper inside court, chucked his mask in the courtroom, swore at the magistrate and can be heard shouting, “I am in charge, I have power here.” LP
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 8, 2021
Craig Peiser on course for ‘psychiatric evaluation’
As the chaos continued, the presiding magistrate was left with little choice but to suspend the case until this Wednesday. Peiser, meanwhile, will now be remanded in custody – after law officials shared concerns about the man’s mental health:
“The magistrate has kept the accused in custody and referred him to the district surgeon for assessment and/or observation for possible referral for mental observation due to his conduct in court. He rambled on and on, shouted and swore. The matter has been postponed to 10 February 2021.”
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila
