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Heavy flak for 'clock-watcher'
13/09/2006 20:28 - (SA)
Cape Town - Opposition parties have strongly criticised the actions of a Kimberley magistrate who released 13 alleged criminals because she did not want to work after 16:00.
Such an action was a "travesty of justice", said Inkatha Freedom Party justice spokesperson Koos van der Merwe on Wednesday.
Among those released were rape suspects, he said.
"The IFP... calls for urgent action by the magistrates commission, not only to investigate this magistrate's action, but also to ensure that clear rules are applied in respect of overtime sessions of court."
Van der Merwe said it was hard to believe a magistrate, a woman, could act so grossly irresponsibly, given the high incidence of rape in South Africa.
The department of justice confirmed on Wednesday the incident had occurred.
Spokesperson Lazarus Mothupi said: "Yes, the story is correct, but magistrates fall under the magistrates commission, and that body is taking care of it,"
'Outrageous' action
The Democratic Alliance said the magistrate had done the administration of justice and the rule of law no favours.
DA justice spokesperson Sheila Camerer said: "Indeed, her alleged action in allowing alleged rapists and robbers to walk free merely because she wanted to go home at 4pm and had not completed the court roll by then, is outrageous and undermines the reputation of our courts."
The magistrates commission should immediately investigate the allegations, and - if they were true - charge the magistrate with gross misconduct, she said.
- SAPA
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