JUSTICE FOR SALE AT PALM RIDGE COURT

Alleged corruption, intimidation and failed service delivery

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

THE Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court is once again in the spotlight, not for justice served, but for the deepening crisis of alleged corruption, intimidation, and failed service delivery that is leaving ordinary South Africans disillusioned and disenfranchised.

Among those still caught in this troubled system is Johannesburg businessman Zaakir Mia, who has spent months being pushed from pillar to post by a court some have accused of being more concerned with extortion than fairness.

Mia’s ordeal began when he was charged at Norwood Police Station over a failed property investment deal with complainant Naushad Hassim.

The case, previously thrown out by the High Court, was mysteriously revived and transferred to Palm Ridge. Since then, Mia has faced a maze of delays, contradictory instructions, and what he describes as outright threats by court officials.