A Gqeberha woman who allegedly hurled acid into a teenager's face was released on bail of R300 in the Gelvandale Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
Elaine Tamana, 54, faces two charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The state alleges that Tamana approached the 19-year-old complainant, Zaakira Baines, on 5 August in Lawler Street in Schauderville.
It is further alleged that she threw acid in the victim's direction, injuring her left eye and the back left side of her head.
The second charge is said to be in connection with the girl's father, who was also injured whilst trying to shield his daughter.
During her court appearance on Thursday, the court heard that Tamana has a fixed address in Korsten, she has no outstanding warrants of arrest or pending cases, and she does not have a domestic relationship with the complainants.
As part of her bail conditions, she has been placed under 24-hour house arrest from Monday to Sunday.
Magistrate Thuli Betela said if Tamana has to leave the house to go and collect her medication at the clinic or her doctor, she needs to obtain written proof that she has done so.
Betela further barred Tamana from contacting the complainants "directly or indirectly."
She said this meant that Tamana should not contact the complainants via telephone, messages, or a third party.
Tamana has also been barred from discussing the case on social media and visiting or going anywhere near the complainant's residential address in Schauderville.
If Tamana has to attend a funeral, written permission is required from the investigating officer.
Also read: Gqeberha acid attack case postponed
Drama unfolded inside the courtroom shortly before Tamana's release on bail, when it appeared that Magistrate Betela had taken ill.
Betela started breathing heavily and rocking back and forth, at times closing her eyes to collect her thoughts.
Shortly after gesturing to the court orderly, members of the public gallery were requested to clear the courtroom.
Whilst outside, the court orderly came running from the passage and asked to borrow a lighter before hurrying back inside.
At this moment, a scream could be heard from the offices, leaving onlookers shocked and frazzled.
The court was reopened about 15 minutes later.
Upon entering the courtroom, the pungent smell of what was seemingly Impepho being lit hung in the air.
While members of the public gallery could be heard enquiring about the smell, and wondering if someone had smoked "dagga", a court orderly could be seen covering her nose with her jacket.
Betela then addressed the courtroom by first apologising for what happened.
She then said that she is a "Sangoma" and that her ancestors do not like it when "people" disrespect her.
She said her courtroom should run in an orderly, timeously, and respectful manner and those around her know she does not appreciate tardiness.
Betela made mention of a prosecutor that was running late.
"I have been telling them many times, but today I can't take it anymore. So that is why that happened.
"If the prosecutor that disrespected me today was here in court you would have seen something else.
"I hate disrespect."
Tamana's case was postponed to 23 October for further investigation.
