Justice under a tree?

Tlhabane – The Bafokeng Magistrates Court in Tlhabane was abruptly closed on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, after inspectors declared the building unsafe for both staff and the public. The inspection revealed that the structure was in a dire condition, leading to an immediate shutdown.

The closure caused major disruptions. Dozens of cases were postponed, leaving detainees to wait longer behind bars while their families continued to shoulder the burden of legal fees. 

In a scene described as surreal and deeply troubling, court proceedings were reduced to being conducted outside under a tree — only to postpone matters to later dates. 

The good news, however, is that the court confirmed it resumed operations on Monday, 1 September 2025. Still, the temporary shutdown highlighted just how fragile access to justice can become when infrastructure is neglected.

Photo: Bafokeng Magistrates Court in Tlhabane – declared unsafe, it was briefly closed, forcing some cases to be postponed under a tree before reopening on 1 September 2025.