Huddled in small courtrooms where suspected criminals appear for various charges, members of the public, lawyers and prosecutors are forced to sit in the stifling heat with no air-conditioning and minimal ventilation.
Concerned about the health implications, the legal fraternity is demanding to know when the air-conditioning system at the New Law Courts building in North End will be fixed.
At a time when Nelson Mandela Bay has suffered some of its hottest days, the situation has become so dire that magistrates have had to use hand-held fans to keep cool on the bench.
Many officials forced to attend court two to three times a week, and those who work there, have now put their foot down.
It has been months since the air-conditioning system has been in full swing.
But the department of justice insists contractors appointed to maintain the system are still waiting for the parts needed to repair it..
Attorney Danie Oelofse said he refused to enter the courtrooms because of the heat.
“It’s like entering a steam room or a sauna and it has been like this for months.
“It is unacceptable to expect professionals to work under these conditions,” Oelofse said.
Attorney Ryno Scholtz said the situation was unbearable.
“I have to walk around with a towel [to wipe off the sweat].
“It is so uncomfortable, especially when your shirt sticks to you.
“It is extremely hot, which makes it very difficult to concentrate.
“Clients are also experiencing difficulties,” Scholtz said.
“We can see it but they don’t say much because they have to be in court for their cases.” .
Chantal Marais, 37, who had to attend the court appearance of a relative this week, said she could not bear the stench associated with the heat in the courtroom.
“Everyone is breathing on each other and it makes it even more uncomfortable,” she said.
“I wish I didn’t have to be here but I must attend in case I am needed to testify.”
Conrad du Plessis, 41, said he would rather wait to hear the outcome of a trial he had been attending than sit and “melt” in the public gallery.
“No-one can be expected to have to sit through this all day. I feel sorry for the court staff, it’s not fair,” he said.
A state prosecutor, who cannot be named, said court staff had been complaining about the situation for some time, but nothing had been done.
“We have to show up at work dressed smartly and then put on our robes when we address the court.
“It’s unforgivable that we are being subjected to this.
“I’m surprised one of us has not yet collapsed from heat exhaustion,” she said.
Department of justice spokesperson Steve Mahlangu said while they were aware of the urgency of the situation, he could not give a specific timeline of when the problem would be fixed.
“The contractor could not supply a specific date as they depend on the availability of the parts to be replaced.
“In the meantime, they have resorted to replacement parts being rebuilt to reduce the turnaround time,” he said.
According to Mahlangu the situation was receiving attention, with the system partially functional and set on “cool” while the contractor waited for the parts to complete the repair work.
“An interim plan has been made for the air-cons to function on a ‘cool’ setting to allow airflow in the courtrooms.
“We’re in constant liaison with the contractor to ensure this is resolved urgently,” he said.
Mahlangu said a report received by the department had determined that two condenser fans were faulty and were tripping the chiller plant.
“The contractor is on-site and has set the air-conditioner on ‘cool’ while awaiting replacement parts that will enable the repair to be effected,” he said.
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