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The trials of Oscar Pistorius and Henri van Breda have taught many South Africans about the inner workings of this country’s legal system, but they’ve also shown that even the rich get locked up sometimes.

Locked up in the hospital wing, away from other prisoners and basking in their privilege, but locked up nonetheless.

Now there are conflicting reports about exactly what happened in Pollsmoor this past weekend, but IOL are reporting that Henri van Breda was attacked by five inmates while making his way back to the hospital wing earlier this week:

…he escaped serious injury after being rescued by a fellow inmate who ripped a metal condom dispenser from the wall and used it as a weapon to deter Van Breda’s assailants.

Is it just me wondering why there is a condom dispenser in Pollsmoor? OK, they were in the hospital section, so I guess that makes sense.

However, the respite was short-lived when the attackers turned on Van Breda for a second time, chasing him and his rescuer back to the hospital section where they managed to slam a security door in their faces.

“Henri said it was a terrifying, horrible experience,” said Van Breda’s attorney, Lorinda van Niekerk [above, in front of Henri], after visiting her client yesterday. “But he is coping well after being counselled by nursing staff.”

Shame, must have been terrifying for the chap who murdered three family members with an axe and wounded a fourth.

If you’ll allow me to be extremely cynical for a second, I’d suggest that this story plays rather perfectly into his attorneys’ hands.

They’re seeking to have him holed up in the hospital wing, and this alleged attack is their evidence as to why it’s necessary.

Let’s hear the account of his advocate, Pieter Botha:

“Henri said his attackers knew who he was and he got the impression they were targeting him…

“They wanted to search his bag and when he resisted they started pushing him against the wall,” said Botha [below with Henri]. “One inmate grabbed him by the throat and another stomped on his foot. A struggle ensued. Then one of his fellow hospital section inmates came into to the stairwell, saw what was happening and ripped a metal condom dispenser off the wall and chased Henri’s attackers.

“After the thwarted attack, Henri and his rescuer ran back to the hospital section with the five attackers in hot pursuit. They ran through a metal door and Van Breda’s rescuer managed to hold it shut while Henri ran to get assistance. At first he could only find two female administrative workers who alerted warders who arrived on the scene a few minutes later.

“Henri escaped with a few scratches and bruises on his body and an injured foot. He was treated that day by a nurse and seen by a Pollsmoor doctor the next day who confirmed that Henri’s foot was not broken. Henri was never transferred to any hospital.”

…if he were moved to the general population section he would fear for his life. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will then be targeted.”

His defence team is pushing the attack narrative, but they are dismissing reports that Henri attempted suicide whilst in prison.

Here’s where things get clouded, though, because Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says the attack never happened.

[He] denied that Van Breda had been attacked. “He is in the hospital wing. Who is going to attack him there?”

According to News24, he added that Henri “is as tranquil as a baby”.

Something to strike fear into the hearts of new mothers everywhere.

Today will see Henri sentenced at the Western Cape High Court, so perhaps we will get to the bottom of this Pollsmoor condom dispenser attack.

[sources:iol&news24]