Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that a fire broke out at the Himeville Magistrate’s Court within the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. 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. No injuries and fatalities were reported. However, some of the offices and the courtroom experienced severe damage. Kubayi’s spokesperson Palesa Rammitlwa says, “The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Real Estate Management Services (DPWI), REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) are working together to identify alternative state-owned properties that can accommodate the magistrates’ court as an interim measure.” Rammitlwa says, “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.”
Himeville Magistrate’s Court, fire, KwaZulu-Natal, Harry Gwala District Municipality, Mmamoloko Kubayi, Palesa Rammitlwa, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, DPWI, REMS, real estate management services, courtroom damage