Staff Reporter
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has bemoaned the stringent controls at the Free State asbestos corruption case set to continue at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court this morning.
The controls, according to court officials, are aimed at ensuring social distancing in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
“I believe there are challenges with regard to access to the court building and the courtroom,” says NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema.
“Apparently, the magistrate has issued an instruction that only five media houses are allowed into the court building.
“I don’t know what criteria was used. In fact, I believe that the courts need to have a uniform approach to this – it’s too chaotic now,” said a concerned Ngwema in a brief message to journalists covering the case and who are struggling to access the court.
He said he has asked the police to allow people into the foyer at least while they still negotiate more access.
Only about 20 people will be allowed in court, according to court officials.
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