Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court in disarray
The investigation was made due to administrative challenges faced by the public when accessing the justice system.
FINDINGS made by the public protector after an investigation at the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court include an improper filing of documents, staff shortage and shoddy workmanship, which all were part of a report about administrative deficiencies relating to the processing of gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
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Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka said the investigation was made because of the administrative challenges faced by the public, particularly women and children when accessing the justice system. A selected number of courts around the country were investigated, and Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court made the list. When the public protector’s investigating team inspected the court, the staff and the court users were interviewed. The court has a staff complement of 28 officials, four magistrates, and six prosecutors.
“More staff were requested for the Domestic Violence Unit as there is a monthly increase in complaints received. More supervisors were requested as, currently, the court has three supervisors supervising various court components each,” said Gcaleka.
Photo: Supplied.
In addition, the investigation revealed that the telephone lines and the switchboard were malfunctioning, and there were persistent network problems, broken photocopiers and staff having to share computers.
“There are no proper filing spaces to file documents. The archiving room is overflowing with files kept on the floor. The court has roof leaks at numerous places along the new court wing, including the magistrate’s chambers. There are no working lights in certain rooms, and officials rely on sunlight in some offices,” she said.
As a result of these challenges, Gcaleka said the public complained about the long waiting times and that no reasons were provided for the delays. They further complained about attending court repeatedly to resolve the same matters.
Mildred Ngcobo of uThingo Crisis Centre, an organisation that advocates for the care and protection of vulnerable women and children, said delays in the justice system have a detrimental effect on the victims.
“We want to see quicker finalisations of cases so that victims can heal and move on. Some cases drag on for up to five years for various reasons. I’m glad the public protector has acknowledged these problems,” said Ngcobo.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development noted the report and has not responded publicly.
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