The Department of Justice said a fire had destroyed about 85% of the Mqanduli Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Cape.
Department spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, said a forensic team from Port Elizabeth was sent to Mqanduli to determine the cause of Thursday night's blaze.
"Our court officials immediately contacted the Fire Brigade Services from the Local Municipality who with assistance from their Mthatha counterparts as well as court officials managed to extinguish the fire and rescue some maintenance files and records in the prosecutor's office. All other documents that were inside offices, Cash hall, Clerk of the Court and Registry have been destroyed including the furniture and office equipment," Mhaga said.
"An investigation is currently being conducted to determine the cause of fire. In the meantime, court officials will be stationed at the Mqanduli Police Station where they will operate from and put working structures into place to ensure the smooth running of justice services."
"The community of Mqanduli and surrounding areas may visit the Mqanduli Police Station (which is next to the court) for assistance and justice services," he added.
Mhaga said the Department of Justice would soon communicate a sustainable plan to ensure that communities that are served by this court continue to receive services.
