Media Statements

Justice Department to normalize justice services in Mqanduli

08 July 2016

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development can confirm that the Mqanduli Magistrate Court caught fire yesterday, 07 July 2016 at around 18:00.

Our court officials immediately contacted the Fire Brigade Services from the Local Municipality who with assistance from their Mthatha counterparts as well as court officials managed to extinguish the fire and rescue some maintenance files and records in the prosecutor’s office. All other documents that were inside offices, Cash hall, Clerk of the Court and Registry have been destroyed including the furniture and office equipment.

The court is about 85 percent burned and all cases that were scheduled for today have been postponed. 

An investigation is currently being conducted to determine the cause of fire. In the meantime, court officials will be stationed at the Mqanduli Police Station where they will operate from and put working structures into place to ensure the smooth running of justice services.

The community of Mqanduli and surrounding areas may visit the Mqanduli Police Station (which is next to the court) for assistance and justice services.

The Department will soon communicate a sustainable plan to ensure that communities that are served by this court continue to receive services.

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

Enquiries: Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Correctional services
0836418141
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za