Springs dad denied bail, slits wrists
A man accused of abusing his wife and five children and holding them captive slit his wrists after being denied bail by the Springs Magistrate's Court on Thursday, Gauteng police said.
Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini said he was admitted to the Far East Rand Hospital in Springs.
He could not say how serious the man's injuries were, or what object was used.
"We are still investigating how this sharp object entered the court."
Eyewitness News reported earlier that the incident happened in the court's holding cell.
The 36-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his family members, was arrested last month after allegedly assaulting his wife and five children and keeping them captive.
He faces charges of child abuse, rape, assault, and defeating the ends of justice.
Earlier, magistrate Roy le Roux found the man had not come close to convincing the court that it was in the interests of justice to release him on bail. He had made a false statement that his son was missing, and could be charged with perjury.
"The State has a strong case as far as attempted murder is concerned," Le Roux said in his ruling.
He was referring to a medical report on one of the man's children, an 11-year-old boy. He had numerous bruises and scars, including one on his head, allegedly from being hit with a knobkerrie.
Threats by local residents against the man, should he be granted bail, were also taken into consideration.
The case was postponed to June 12 for the man to obtain Legal Aid.
- Sapa