Cape Town - The Western Cape Department of Justice has launched a probe into a security breach at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
A clerk of the court and Tim Osrin, the swimming instructor who allegedly assaulted a domestic worker he mistook for a sex worker, could soon face censure.
A third person, who has not yet been identified, is also under scrutiny.
Osrin appeared in court on Tuesday and after his case was heard he was allegedly seen using a staff entrance to avoid media attention. Osrin was accompanied by an unidentified person before darting out of a gate.
Justice Department regional head Hishaam Mohamed said after examining security camera footage, it was determined that “no formal authorisation” was given by the court for Osrin to use the staff exit to leave the premises.
“The formal investigation is almost complete. At this stage it seems like there are two people implicated. One is a clerk of the court and the other might be a security guard or a police officer,” Mohamed said.
“The Justice Department is considering possible suspension.
Once the investigation is complete we will consider further charges of possible corruption against Osrin.”
Wynberg Magistrate’s Court court manager Nico Geldenhuys said Mohamed had instructed him to compile a report. “I can’t really say much about what the findings were,” he said.
Osrin has been charged with assault to do grievous bodily harm. His attorney, Keith Gess, was not available to comment.
Magistrate Siviwe Yaki agreed to postpone the matter to March 6 for a process of “restorative justice”.