Mpisane supporters probed over threats

CHARGES are being investigated against supporters of Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mpisane who threatened a photographer in a city court, police said

"We can confirm that the Durban central police station is investigating a case of assault," Captain Thulani Zwane said.

Mpisane, who owns Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance, and Transport, appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Wednesday facing charges of fraud and forgery involving R4.7-million. Her legal team had made an application to the court for the state to reveal more information about the case.

Court proceedings were delayed after Mpisane's supporters attempted to stop Mercury newspaper photographer Terry Haywood from taking pictures of her.

Haywood was surrounded and pushed by supporters, who demanded that he stop taking pictures of Mpisane.

Arguments between the reporters and Mpisane's supporters only stopped when the magistrate, Blessing Msane, entered the court.

Msane granted Mpisane's application, demanding that the prosecution provide her legal team with more details about the alleged offences.

After Msane's ruling, one of Mpisane's supporters in a blue BMW pulled up alongside reporters outside the court.

Through a loudhailer he told the reporters that "you must never lie in future".

Zwane said no arrests had been made.