A Durban magistrate who was allegedly intimidated at his home has hired 24-hour security guards to safeguard himself and his family, the police said.

The officers, who did not want to be named, had been at the Durban Regional Court where two men accused of intimidating magistrate Thambo Nkosi appeared.

Christopher Sikhosana (43), and Michael Ndlovu have been charged with defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that a week before judgment in a Pinetown case, Nkosi was confronted at his Kloof home.

The case in question was registered as one count of possession of unlicenced firearms, pertaining to Ndlovu.

Sikhosana, a clerk working at the Hammarsdale Magistrate's Court, apparently knew Nkosi and went into his home on 11 October.

Sikhosana had allegedly told Nkosi that if Ndlovu was found guilty, he should not be sent to prison and instead be given a fine.

The clerk also made reference to another case where a prosecutor was killed and his body found months later.

Police said Nkosi later opened up a case and both men were arrested.

Since the incident, the now "edgy" magistrate, had hired security guards to monitor his home 24 hours a day.

In court on Wednesday, both accused said they would be applying for legal aid.

Sikhosana, who entered the court on crutches, asked presiding magistrate Anand Maharaj if he could be placed in a police station cell because he was unhappy at Westville prison.

Maharaj said both accused would have to remain at Westville prison until their next court appearance.

The matter was postponed to 29 October.

Maharaj said once the two had been granted legal aid, they could set a date for their applications.

Sapa