Public court hearings a no as Coronavirus spreads
ALEXANDRA – Coronavirus leaves court attendees all alone
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has since 16 March been on lockdown to those not directly involved but wanting to attend case hearings.
The Department of Justice measure is in compliance of the government’s precautionary measures against the spread of the coronavirus gripping the nation. The measures include keeping a social distance of 1m or more, and the use of masks and gloves when engaging with those who are infected. A notice to this effect at the main entrance to the court advises that only those directly involved in the case, witnesses and their legal representatives would be allowed into the building.
Some of those who lingered at the gate eager to hear a case involving a relative and who were hesitant to identify themselves, said they would wait to be briefed by the legal representative. Others hung around uncertain of what to do.
“We hope he is acquitted,” said a woman who also declined to be identified or state the nature of the case.
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