Assistant magistrates appointed amid strike

The Office of the Judiciary has directed all heads of administration in magistrates’ offices nationwide to serve as “assistant magistrates” and preside over specific matters during the ongoing “pens down” strike by magistrates. Magistrates intensified their defiance this week, electing not to preside over any court matters. This is in contrast to their initial "go slow" approach, which entailed reduced volumes of work.



In an internal circular, executive director Benhardt Kukuri wrote: “It has been collectively agreed that all heads of administration at various magistrates’ offices countrywide be appointed as assistant magistrates.”



Under the temporary arrangement, assistant magistrates will be authorised to postpone cases, grant unopposed bail, withdraw matters at the request of prosecutors before plea, issue warrants of arrest, administer deceased estates, solemnise marriages, and approve applications for temporary liquor licences.



- STAFF REPORTER