By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

A fire which started on Saturday evening quickly engulfed the Himeville Magistrates Court, causing severe damage to the Magistrate’s office, the offices of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the courtroom.
The quick response from authorities and cooperation from community members, private security, SAPS and Disaster and Fire services managed to contain the blaze and save sections of the building including the cells and museum.
According to the Minister of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi, preliminary information indicates that the fire originated in the Magistrate’s office after a contractor working on site started a fire in the office fireplace, which spread throughout the court building.
“Emergency services were called to the scene, and efforts were made to contain the fire. No injuries and fatalities have been reported. The Department can further confirm that the cash hall and the filing room containing charge sheets and related court records remain unaffected, while the Magistrate’s office, the offices of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the courtroom sustained severe damage,” said Kubayi.
She also stated that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Real Estate Management Services (DPWI), REMS are working together to identify alternative state-owned properties that can accommodate the magistrates’ court as an interim measure.
“Further communication will be issued in due course regarding provisional operational arrangements that will ensure the continuation of essential judicial services to the affected community,” concluded Kubayi.