Durban — Power cuts delayed justice and led to numerous case postponements at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The power first went off just after 9am.
Security guards had to close off the court building to prevent people from entering. Some waited in the lobby while others sat on the grass outside the building.
After some time only police officers and lawyers, including court employees, were allowed inside the building.
After a while, only those who were summoned by the court entered.
Everyone, including the elderly, had to use the stairs to get to their designated courts with the high court situated on the 12th floor of the tall building.
The power came back on at about 10.15am and went off again at 11.40am. It was not establish whether it was load shedding or a power fault.
One of the cases that was postponed included the sentencing of Sibusiso Bongekhaya Mvubu who was convicted for the premeditated murder of his wife Philisiwe Mvubu.
The State’s evidence showed Philisiwe was stabbed 13 times.
However, according to the accused’s version he stabbed his wife once in the neck and she was accidentally stabbed after she then fell on the knife in his hand.
Philisiwe allegedly had stab wounds to the abdomen, neck, face and had a gaping wound on the front of her neck.
She was killed 10 days after serving Sibusiso with a protection order after he allegedly wanted to pour boiling water on her.
Philisiwe’s aunt, Fikile Hlongwa, said she hoped that on Wednesday would have been their last day in court.
"It’s been a long journey. We were hoping that today this matter would be put to rest. Not only for our beloved daughter, but for us to have peace, including everyone who cared for her.
“We were a bit saddened when we were informed that we would have to come back here again tomorrow (Thursday) after waiting so long. But as a praying family we know everything has its timing, therefore we are patiently waiting in the hope of justice,” said Hlongwa.
She said the family was looking forward to a Christmas of healing this year.
“We hope he gets the harshest sentence.
“He has never shown any remorse while he brutally killed our daughter.
“Throughout the trial he was looking all of us in the eye as if he is planning to harm us too.
“Knowing that he was put away for a long time will put us at ease.
“Our healing would only begin after he gets what he deserves,“ said Hlongwa.
The sentencing is expected to continue on Thursday.
Daily News