Acting chief magistrate, Lorraine Makati-Lesang said the shortage has affected service delivery and the problem is likely to reach the boil in the coming days. "We have been starting cases late because of this problem. It just cannot go on for a long time because we run the risk of cases collapsing unceremoniously," said Makati-Lesang. She stated that the problem is partly caused by the transfer of interpreters without proper consultation. She said interpreters should not be moved before a replacement has been found. "Trials are being postponed because of this problem. It looks like things are going to come to a standstill because of lack of interpreters," said Makati-Lesang. Though there are six magistrates in Francistown there are only three interpreters. One of the interpreters is due for maternity leave and unless a replacement is found, Makati-Lesang fears that there will be a crisis from next week. This is because another interpreter is on sick leave after undergoing surgery and she is unlikely to start work until November.
Makati-Lesang said there is actually no guarantee that she will return by then. The situation is not helped by the fact that one of the three interpreters is employed on a temporary basis and has no obligation to be in court all the time. Makati-Lesang said that last month, the lost an interpreter through transfer to Gaborone and this has compounded the problem in Francitsown.
