Search for fraud suspect who disappeared from court

Mystery surrounds the disappearance of a fraud suspect who was due to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court last week.

According to court officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mark Michaels allegedly walked out of court before he was due to appear in the North End court.

“He sat on the bench inside the dock with three other inmates. The next minute when his name was called on the court roll, he was nowhere to be found,” one official said.

“Just imagine the confusion that prevailed in the courtroom. It would be appear he literally walked out.”

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the man was due to make his first court appearance last Friday.

She said police were still searching for him.