Thieves loot judges' chambers

2005-11-08 08:10

Pretoria - Thieves gained easy access to judges' chambers at Pretoria High Court at the weekend, stealing a laptop, glasses and one judge's stash of sweets, the Citizen newspaper reported on Tuesday.

"I can't believe someone can just walk out of a court building that's supposed to be guarded 24 hours a day with a cash register under his arm. It must be an inside job," said court restaurant manager Clive Seokotsa.

He said on Sunday his cash register, about R5 000 and cigarettes and sodas had been stolen .

High Court Registrar Gerrie Prinsloo confirmed the court was investigating the disappearance of several items from judges' chambers and the court restaurant.

Prinsloo said thieves had mostly got in by unlocking doors. Internal security staff secured the building during office hours, but a private security company guarded the building after hours.

According to Prinsloo, the department was busy with a four year project to upgrade the building.

Theft at the courts had increased to such an extent over the past few years that courts were now locked during tea and lunch breaks, the newspaper reported.

- SAPA