Carlo Petersen
“APARTHEID is a thing of the past and everyone deserves to be treated equally.”
This was heard from the public gallery yesterday in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, where things got heated before swimming school owner Tim Osrin appeared in connection with the assault of Khayelitsha domestic worker Cynthia Joni, 44.
Osrin, who sat hiding his face from media photographers, caused an uproar when he refused to remove a hood covering his head.
In a packed courtroom, visitors were asked by court officials to remove their headgear, but when Osrin refused to take off his hood, many expressed dissent.
State Prosecutor Nathan Johnson removed photographers from the courtroom before asking for calm. Osrin was then escorted down to the awaiting trial room.
When Osrin reappeared before magistrate Siviwe Yaki, she asked his attorney, Keith Gess: “Why is he coming up from there. Is he fine?”
Gess answered: “We had a little bit of a situation in court, but he’s okay.”
Speaking to the Cape Times after the hearing, Gess said he was not happy about what happened in the courtroom.
“In my opinion this is a matter that needs to be resolved between my client, the court and the complainant. These sort of happenings are just making it more unpleasant for everyone.”
After Osrin appeared, Gess said: “The State’s investigation is complete and for the first time we are entitled to access of the docket.
“I will read it and take instructions from my client as to the approach we would like to take.”
Osrin is said to have assaulted Joni as he thought she was a prostitute.
The incident took place last month. The case has been postponed to January 20.
The South African Young Feminist Activists and the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (Sweat) protested outside the court in support of Joni.
Police confirmed that an additional charge has been laid against Osrin.
Police spokesman Andre Traut said: “Yes, another case was opened against him.”
He would not elaborate.
According to reports, a Cape Town prostitute has come forward to say she had been assaulted by Osrin.
The 32-year-old laid the complaint on Monday and told police Osrin first confronted her in December last year.
He is alleged to have told her to “get out of his street” before attacking her.
She told police she saw Osrin again in January this year, when he swore at her.