Tensions were high at the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning ahead of the appearance of a controversial pastor who is facing charges of sexual assault and human trafficking.

While groups sang struggle songs outside the building‚ inside a large contingent of people filled the corridor outside the courtroom where the pastor is to appear for his formal bail application.

Those inside the courtroom‚ including the media‚ were instructed to switch off their cellphones with one Tactical Response Team (TRT) official saying he would “sort out” anyone who did not adhere to the instruction.

Shortly after the magistrate arrived in court the court was informed that the prosecution was still busy with the charge sheet.

Meanwhile outside the court‚ crowds – both in support of and opposed to the pastor – gathered and were vocal about their feelings‚ singing and dancing with posters.

The accused‚ who is at the centre of sex-abuse claims‚ was handcuffed in the restroom and arrested for human trafficking minutes after his flight landed at the Port Elizabeth International Airport on April 20.

He appeared in court the next day and the matter was postponed to today.