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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Some learners of four Mossel Bay high schools participated in a mock trial in the magistrate’s court on Friday 22 August.
Sao Bras High, Indwe Secondary, Hillcrest Secondary and Garden Route High’s learners filled the seats of one of the courtrooms, intently watching a staged trial unfold.
Some of them took on the roles of the prosecutor, the defence, the interpreter, the accused, the complainant, the witnesses, the court officers, stenographer and magistrate to deliver a thrilling enactment of a fictitious court case involving charges of crimen injuria and assault.
The court heard ‘allegations’ of cyberbullying and intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The learners were assisted by Regional Court Prosecutor Craig Merrington. Amyoli Shweni, an Indwe Secondary learner playing the prosecutor, delivered an intense line of questioning when the accused, Olwam Soga of Garden Route High, took the stand.
The magistrate, Lea April of Hillcrest Secondary, found the accused guilty on both charges and ultimately sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment.
Before the mock trial, the learners also visited the Da Gamaskop Police Station in Mossel Bay. The aim of the day’s events was to show these learners how criminal proceedings work, as well as to simultaneously inspire them for possible future career paths and to warn them about the choices they make.
Amyoli Shweni gets ready for her role as prosecutor in the mock trial, with assistance from Mossel Bay District Court Prosecutor Craig Merrington. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
Visit to correctional centre
Following the mock trial, the learners, their teachers, some correctional officers, members of the Mossel Bay SAPS and court officials embarked on a tour of the Mossel Bay Correctional Centre.
With the group, Mossel Bay Advertiser heard an inmate recount his story, from the crime he was found guilty of to the time he has spent incarcerated.
The group also visited one of the rooms where remanded suspects are housed - a dark and smelly room packed with beds. Some of the learners were eager to see inside, while others exited as quickly as they had entered.
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Each learner received a certificate of participation and a trophy alongside their accompanying teachers, sponsored by Avbob. The day was made possible thanks to Mossel Bay court preparation officers Sylvia Willie and Ongeziwe Fihlani.
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