Concerns over bribery allegations at Mthatha High Court

Members of the legal fraternity have expressed shock at the extent of systemic corruption at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha.

It is alleged that court officials solicit bribes, some as high as R15,000 from attorneys to perform routine administrative functions.

Nine officials are accused of extorting bribes, and work in various departments ranging from junior typists to senior managers.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya conducted an oversight visit to the High Court amid the allegations.

Wild Coast Attorneys’ Association President, Advocate Nceda Msindo says they were not aware that some of their members were paying officials.

“We were aware of some complaints about the problems of locating the files. The problems of obtaining court orders on time, but we were never aware that such problems has gone to the extent of some of our members paying officials to locate a file, paying typist to type and issue a court order. It came as a shock to us. We are so shocked to learn about that,” says Msindo.