Court packed for Tatane trial

28 March 2013 - 12:45
By Sapa
Andries  Tatane ’s widow, Rose, (left) is comforted by friends at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court. File photo.
Image: DANIEL BORN Andries Tatane ’s widow, Rose, (left) is comforted by friends at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court. File photo.

The Ficksburg Regional Court was packed on Thursday for the trial of seven policemen charged with killing local protester Andries Tatane.

Regional Magistrate Hein van Niekerk was expected to hear final arguments in the matter from the prosecution and defence teams.

Earlier, Van Niekerk indicated he was ready to deliver judgment but postponed proceedings on the State's request to prepare final arguments on Thursday.

Tatane was killed on April 13, 2011, allegedly by police using rubber bullets, during a service delivery protest in Ficksburg.

The case received huge media attention after footage of Tatane's alleged assault by police members was broadcast nationally.

On Thursday, several policemen could be seen in the court.

Tatane's wife Rose and other family members were sitting in the front row of the public gallery.

People were also sitting on the steps and floor of the small court room.