|
|
| News
|
Confusion at Village Magistrate’s Court
BAME PIET
Staff Writer
10/6/2005 11:43:20 AM (GMT +2)
There was confusion at the Village Magistrate’s Court yesterday when no magistrate appeared to preside over cases. Members of the public idled about or stood in groups wondering what to do. The confusion was caused by sicknesses and transfer of magistrates. While Rebecca Setlhogile-Motsamai has been transferred to Maun, another magistrate, Enoch Mazonde is on sick leave. The public waited for more than two hours and some complained that magistrates could easily absent themselves in court despite their strict attitude towards suspects, the public and lawyers.
However, the situation was brought to normal by regional magistrate, Terrence Rannowane who held proceedings from 10am until afternoon. He had to preside over 30 cases most of them for mention and setting of trial dates. Other cases were postponed to a later date or withdrawn. Fortunately, there were very few accused persons in custody. About five warrants of arrests were issued against accused persons who did not show up in court.
|
|
Rannowane explained to Mmegi that the situation would normalise next week after the replacement of Motsamai and the return of Mazonde. He said the confusion usually happens when magistrates are being transferred, as their cases have to be rescheduled or re-allocated.
The Administration of Justice has been affected by a shortage of manpower after resignation of magistrates and state counsels. Registrar of the High Court, Godfrey Nthomiwa said that they recently recruited seven more magistrates but two of them turned down the offer. He noted that the jurisdiction of magistrates and litigation has been increased. Nthomiwa said they want to recruit more magistrates to address the shortage.
Meanwhile, three young men who appeared before the court did not plead guilty to a charge of breaking into a house and stealing property worth over P2500. Johnson Tobelane, George Basupi and Gaonyadiwe Selwe are accused of breaking into a house in Mogoditshane last Sunday.
|
|
|
