Video of 'spiderman' escaping from Joburg Magistrates Court goes viral: 'The magistrate didn't even show up, so I said, why bother being there?'

JOHANNESBURG – A daring escape from the Joburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 18 February, has captivated the nation after a video of the incident went viral.

The suspect, who has since been rearrested, executed a remarkable "Spiderman" style escape, scaling the courtroom walls in a bid for freedom.

Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the suspect escaped while appearing in the Jeppe Magistrates Court on a charge of housebreaking and theft.

The man's audacious escape has been the subject of much discussion, with the viral video showing him deftly climbing the courtroom walls like a superhero.

Following his rearrest on Wednesday, 19 February, in Malvern by the Jeppe tracing team, the suspect offered a rather candid explanation for his actions. "The magistrate didn't even show up, so I figured, why bother being there?" he stated.

He also expressed surprise at the demeanour of the police officers guarding him. "I expected a tough crowd who would scold me with a 'voetsek wena' (get lost), but instead, I was met with kind and smiling cops."

The suspect detailed how he managed to pull off the stunt. "I noticed these tiny windows and the long steps leading to the room. When the magistrate called me for the first time, no one came to get me. There was no 'all rise', no officers on the other side. Just one friendly cop who seemed to be having the time of their life."

He further explained that the police officers were distracted by some "beautiful" young lawyers and prosecutors. "I glanced at the door, and they were all talking about postponing my case."

The suspect also revealed that he had considered pleading guilty to expedite the process. "I whispered to my lawyer that I wanted to plead guilty. I thought, 'Let’s wrap this up now', because I didn’t want to go through the whole trial process. It’s a nightmare when you get to that stage!" he said.

Colonel Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the suspect will be further charged with escape from lawful custody. The incident has raised questions about security protocols at the Joburg Magistrates Court.