Judge reprimands advocates for 'sausage machine' affidavits

Representing asylum seekers from the Lindela Repatriation Centre, Advocate Henry Matsomme presented the judge with five affidavits with a similar-sounding narrative, during a series of asylum applications before the court. The judge reprimanded him for using one template to write up affidavits, failing to put his clients first. The report adds Advocate Mandla Gumbi, representing state Attorney Tefo Malepe, was asked to clarify the confusion in the affidavits, but also blamed the State Attorney's Office for not briefing him well. 'My Ladyship, I can say in this instance I'm also a victim,' he said, referring to the poorly-prepared affidavits. 'Tell your state attorney that this is not a sausage machine... these are people's lives,' Satchwell retorted. The judge instructed Gumbi and Matsomme to report themselves to their respective heads, adding that she would follow that up. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)