Judicial system in near paralysis?

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Wednesday May 25, 2011 00:00

Corridors in the court complexes at the oldest town in the country remained deserted for much of the day as support staff had joined other government employees on strike. Information reaching Mmegi suggests that Lobatse High Court is also on the brink of collapse as those that remained during the early days of the strike action plan to join the boycott. An employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, said their patience has run out and the government seems unconcerned about their welfare.

Sources said judges have to delay commencement of court sessions while awaiting few court reporters and clerical staff available.

'We had to delay court sessions while trying to find out if there are any clerical staff available to help out,' sources say.

Mmegi's visit to the High Court found a few courts in session including those of Justices Isaac Lesetedi, Steven Gaongalelwe and Michael Mothobi.

Police officers and government security officers seconded to the High Court had nothing to do but bask in the sun.

Last week the Gaborone magistrates' courts were almost shut down a day after President Ian Khama vowed he would not increase striking public servants' salaries.

Litigants and lawyers at the magistrate courts in the city were among those who bore the brunt of the on going strike as court clerks, reporters and interpreters who had been remaining at work joined their striking colleagues.

Extension II Magistrate's Court was in a sorry state as accused persons, lawyers, and law enforcement officers wandered around the court premises with nobody to help.

The staff allegedly joined their colleagues after the government and unions failed to agree on the increment percentage.

Further it is alleged that the President's stance that he would not increase salaries, must have led to the major walkouts last Friday.

The strike has entered its sixth week and there is no hope that it will end any time soon.

The little hope that was there faded last Thursday during the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) meeting when President Khama emphasised that the government would not give in to the demands of the unions.

Efforts to get a comment from Acting Registrar and Master of High Court and Deputy Registrar and Master of High Court, Michael Motlhabi yesterday were unsuccessful.