Magistrate takes on Judge President in SCA

A public feud between the Judge President of Mpumalanga and its Regional Court President over the closure of the so-called ‘rhino poaching court’ in the Kruger National Park is heading to the SCA, Beeld reports. Regional Court President Naomi Engelbrecht was reprimanded by a full Bench of judges, who ordered her to reverse her decision to divert all cases from the Skukuza Regional Court to Mhala, some 90km away. However, instead of reopening the court, Engelbrecht has applied to the SCA for leave to appeal. Engelbrecht argues that the court was never properly proclaimed as a Regional Court, that it lacks the necessary infrastructure such as air-conditioning, and that Mpumalanga Judge President Francis Legodi is out of line in trying to issue directives to her. Legalbrief Today reported previously that the full Bench disagreed, saying Legodi’s instructions to her were valid and binding and that her attitude was inappropriate, disrespectful and unnecessarily belligerent towards Legodi. The judgment was also referred to the Magistrates’ Commission. Kruger National Park spokesperson Ike Phaahla confirmed that the courtroom remains closed despite the order by the Mpumalanga High Court that it should open. The building is being upgraded at a cost of several millions, he says.