There are conflicting reports from the courts on an alleged sickout by prosecutors. Yesterday a sketchy WhatsApp story from some fictional newsroom went out alleging there was another sickout. It had a mischievous tone with suspicious sourcing, and this newsroom passed on it. But, government did not, firing off an angry press release calling it irresponsible misinformation.
Government added that, quote, "crown counsels at the ministry are in full complement today, but for three officers who are on approved vacation leave. Additionally, it is confirmed that only one magistrate is on sick leave.
Similarly, the work of the office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the courts continued, and prosecutors appeared in courts in all matters that were scheduled." End quote.
But our court reporter says that there are in fact work interruptions which went into its second day, causing major delays at the High Court. Judges went prepared today to deal with matters but faced adjournments. Our reports say Crown Counsels from the DPP's may have reported to work, but are on a go slow. For example, in Justice Nanton's courtroom, no crown counsel was in court or joined the session virtually. A case of a killing could not proceed for a lack of a crown counsel in court today.
Late this evening, we also saw a doctor's note from one of the crown counsels who claims to be on sick leave but is in solidarity with the 'sick out'. This solidarity reportedly extends to employees at other district Magistrates Courts.
