WATCH | Ngcobo massacre trial halted over leaky courtroom

Proceedings in the Ngcobo police massacre trial had to be abruptly halted as rainwater started leaking into the courtroom on Tuesday.

About R101m has recently been spent on renovations at the Mthatha high court, including repairs to the roof.

Judge Robert Griffiths, presiding over the trial in Court B, complained that his documents were getting wet.

Pools of water began to collect around the judge’s bench and well as where the legal teams were sitting.

Five-litre buckets were put in place to collect the water from the leaking roof, but had to be emptied when they filled to the brim.

DispatchLIVE saw at least four leaks in Court B, while Court C was also affected by leaks.

Court officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to speak to the media, said the renovations team left in December after it was handed over to the justice department by public works.

''Those supposed to monitor and supervise the renovations have not done their work. What one can say is that nearly revamped building is leaking, only months after renovation had been completed.

"Someone needs to account for this shoddy work. Even places that were not leaking are now leaking. Walls at Court C are leaking and also passages are leaking,'' said one of the court officials.

lulamilef@dispatch.co.za