Security concerns as media, public barred from Durban 'explosives' case
The 19 suspects arrested in connection with the deadly attack on a Verulam mosque, north of Durban, earlier this year as well as a series of bomb threats in and around the city are due to return to court today.
They made their first appearance in the dock yesterday - but the matter had to be postponed to secure interpreters for some of the accused.
The case is being heard in camera at the moment, meaning the media and members of the public have been barred from attending proceedings at the Verulam Magistrate's Court.
"It's not a blanket gag on the media or any other person in the country but it relates to issues of security as well as issues of ongoing investigations," National Hawks spokesperson, Hangwani Mulaudzi said.
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Police swooped on the suspects during a large scale operation at the weekend during which they also found a man who had been chained up in a basement.
"It was one of those disturbing finds we got when we were busy on Friday where we managed to rescue that victim from one of the houses. He was taken to hospital immediately. As we speak, he is under police protection and recuperating in hospital. Hopefully, we will be able to know his status in terms of this investigation."