Attorneys, State Prosecutors, and general court staff at the Gqeberha Magistrates Court are hot under the collar over a faulty air conditioning system that threatens to cause major legal process disruptions.
Frustrated staffers told Algoa FM News that the situation has been unbearable for over a week and that workers are considering downing tools.
They say working in courtrooms where the mercury rises to over 30 degrees without proper ventilation has raised health and safety concerns.
It is understood that the problem lies with a faulty part which controls the air conditioning system of the entire building.
For the past week, it has reportedly been so hot inside the courtroom that members of the legal fraternity had to ditch their cloaks whilst in court.
An attorney who did not want to be named described the situation as "unbearable".
"While you are in court it feels like hot air is being blown into the courtroom.
"This impacts on our abilities to defend our clients to the best of our abilities."
Other attorneys reported feeling dizzy and nauseous and said they experienced severe headaches.
"Something needs to be done immediately.
"It's like sitting in a pressure cooker or an oven, you cannot breathe," the attorney said. "
According to a State Prosecutor, the health and safety department had been roped in a bid to remedy the situation.
She said threats were made to shut down the court, which could cause chaos as prisoners are transported to the courtroom daily for court appearances and trials.
The court manager could not be reached for comment.
