Johannesburg – The lawyer of Mark Scott-Crossley, wanted for attempted murder, was turned away by Hoedspruit police on Thursday after he arrived to "arrange for bail" for his client, said Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
"Once the suspect is brought in, he will be arrested and processed like any other suspect. Whereas we are aware of the suspect's rights in terms of bail application, no process will be overlooked for purposes of giving any individual preferential treatment," Mojapelo said.
Game farmer Scott-Crossley, dubbed the "Lion Man" after he made headlines when he threw an employee into a lion cage in 2004, is a wanted man after police issued a warrant for his arrest on December 21 2016.
Scott-Crossley was convicted of masterminding the premeditated murder of the farm worker by throwing him to lions.
While incarcerated, Scott-Crossley was also charged with assaulting a fellow inmate, Jacobus Cordier, at the Barberton maximum security in December 2006.
The Barberton Magistrate’s Court found him guilty of assault and sentenced him to a fine of R4 000 or two years’ imprisonment.
He paid the fine.
Last year, Scott-Crossley allegedly attacked a wildlife centre worker and smashed his cellphone before running him over twice with a vehicle.
The employee, Silence Mabunda, was hospitalised after the incident.
Mojapelo said numerous attempts to find Scott-Crossley drew a blank.
He was suspected of having left the province as the manhunt ensued.
"The suspect's lawyer told officers he would bring his client before the end of the day on Thursday. He will be processed like everyone else for the attempted murder case," he said.