Ronald Lamola Guptas

Minister Ronald Lamola. [Photo: GCIS]

Constitutional Court vandalism: ‘An attack on democracy,’ says Lamola

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has lauded police for arresting a suspect for smashing the windows of the Constitutional Court

Ronald Lamola Guptas

Minister Ronald Lamola. [Photo: GCIS]

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has become the latest to react to the recent attack on the Constitutional Court building, strongly condemning the incident.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 5 January 2022, for smashing the windows of the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg using a hammer. National police spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda said when they arrived at the scene, after being called, they found the suspect still busy with the attack. According to Netshiunda, the man did not stop smashing the windows until police fired a warning shot.

The motive behind the attack is unknown, but police are still investigating the matter. The man is set to appear in court soon.

Lamola says the incident is an attack on the country’s democracy.

“The site of the Constitutional Court is a historical landmark as it represents our struggle for freedom. It was specifically designed to reflect the values of our new constitutional democracy and Nelson Mandela himself called the building ‘a beacon of light, a symbol of hope and celebration,” he said.

ALSO READ: Just in: Suspect ‘attacks’ ConCourt, windows and doors SMASHED

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ATTACK: LAMOLA LAUDS POLICE FOR ARREST

Ronald Lamola has further commended law enforcement for arresting the suspect, upon arrival at the Constitutional Court.

“The Constitutional Court is a powerful symbol of our constitutional dispensation, supremacy of the Constitution and the Rule of Law in our country. Any person who attacks the Constitutional Court – or any other of our democratic institutions for that matter – is attacking democracy and what it represents”

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola

Judges Matter has condemned the attack on the apex court and says it isn’t clear whether it has to do with the release of the State Capture Commission’s report.

“”… It is nevertheless gravely worrying. Judges Matter condemns this outrageous attack on the Constitutional Court building as a symbol of our judiciary and constitutional democracy in SA,” the body said.

This is the second institution to be attacked in just days. Zandile Mafe was arrested in connection with the fire which broke out in Parliament.

He is accused of having been behind the blaze which erupted at the parliamentary precinct on Sunday morning, 2 December, causing extensive damage, including to the new National Assembly Chambers. The fire was reignited on Monday afternoon by pick-up in the wind, but was contained hours later.