The ranks were going to court to attend the coroner's inquest into the deaths of the three bandits killed on Mandela Avenue last year.

The Police Public Relations Department said that prior to entering the court, the ranks were confronted by the gang, led by Benschop, who proceeded to video tape them, while his accomplices hurled expletives and shouted words including "murderers" and "killers" at the Policemen.

The Police said the ranks paid no heed and proceeded into the court, but Benschop followed and continued video taping them.

However, when the Magistrate appeared in court, Benschop fled down stairs, into the courtyard, the Police reported.

The inquest was postponed to May 29, 2002, and as the officers were at the base of the steps exiting the courtyard, Benschop and his accomplices again approached them, shouting expletives, calling them terrorists and killers, the Police press release said.

The Policemen again disregarded Benschop and his accomplices, joined a Police vehicle and left the courtyard, the release said.