Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has concluded an oversight visit to the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court following reports of a lawyer arrested for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the court precinct. The findings of this visit paint a deeply troubling picture of systemic neglect and compromised security at one of KwaZulu-Natal’s busiest courts.
Our observations revealed:
- Non-functional security equipment: The entrance body scanner and bag x-ray scanner have been out of service for more than 10 years, leaving the court wide open to contraband smuggling;
- Critical staff shortages: The court currently faces 13 vacancies, which significantly undermines its ability to operate effectively;
- Inadequate SAPS presence: There are not enough court orderly police officers on duty, and shockingly, there has been no commanding officer for over two years;
- Security breaches with detainee access: Lawyers visiting their clients in holding cells are not accompanied by SAPS members due to capacity shortages, creating an unacceptable security risk.
These failings collectively compromise the safety of court staff, the public, detainees, and legal practitioners, while also undermining the integrity of the justice system itself.
The DA will:
- Escalate the matter to the Minister of Justice and the NCOP Select Committee on Security & Justice for urgent intervention.
- Demand a provincial audit of court security systems, staffing levels, and maintenance of security equipment across all courts.
South Africans must have absolute confidence that our courts are safe spaces where justice is upheld. The current state of the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court is a disgrace and an indictment on government’s failure to maintain basic safety infrastructure.
Regards
Mzamo Billy MP
DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice