Moyahabo Mabeba
SESHEGO – THE recurring bouts of load shedding have become a great deal of displeasure during court proceedings at the Seshego magistrate’s court in recent times.
Recently, angry people who were scheduled to attend court proceedings took a swipe at Eskom after load shedding interrupted legal procedures.
But the multitudes who were justifiably infuriated the most were the residents of Ga-Ramongoana village, who attended the bail application of a murder accused.
As early as 08:00, the angry crowd from Moletjie had already gathered to oppose the bail application of William “Mboma” Mabeba, whom they alleged had been bullying them for some time.
But as court proceedings went smoothly under ceiling lights, load shedding struck, and the computers and other electricity-generated equipment went off.
The unexpected hour-long load shedding elicited the annoyance of dozens people who had packed the small Court C.
The irate residents charged in unison: “we came here as early as possible so that we can hear why this monster continues to kill people in cold blood. We have waited and waited and when the time arrives to listen to the proceedings, the electricity just goes off.
“Why isn’t a backup generator available to assist when incidents like load shedding happen? This is not good and something should be done”.
Load shedding bouts at the court precincts do not only interrupt court proceedings, but also bring the entire workforce to a halt as other vital equipment, including computers are rendered ineffective.
A magistrate who was due to preside over the Mabeba murder and rape case was visibly bothered by the sudden bout of load shedding.
Asked why the court precincts did not have a back up generator, magistrate Elias Komape said: “the department of justice and constitutional development is aware of our plight.
“They have promised to do something about this matter of a back up generator”.
Several attempts, including phone calls and messages to solicit comment from Stephans Mahlangu of the national department of justice and constitutional development were unsuccessful.
