Palm Ridge Court in 'justice for sale' scandal claims

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.

One prosecutor allegedly warned Mia that he could be arrested and his bail revoked simply because he was “not participating” - a comment that left Mia feeling intimidated.

His case is not isolated. Palm Ridge has become infamous for systemic corruption, where justice, according to several victims, can be bought with “a pie and a Coke.”

These allegations came to a head this week when Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi made a surprise visit to the court.

“I found it important to be here with the Deputy Minister to engage with the leadership of the court and to understand what is going on,” Kubayi said.

“This is the place where people must find justice, not seek justice somewhere else against the very system meant to protect them.”

Kubayi’s visit followed mounting public pressure and reports of criminal syndicates operating from within the court. At the heart of these reports is a network involving police officers, prosecutors, and lawyers.

Their alleged scheme: target affluent individuals, fabricate or exaggerate charges, and demand payment under the guise of legal fees to have the charges dropped.

One such attorney, Justice Rafedile, was recently struck off the roll for his role in this criminal racket.

According to sources inside the court, suspects — often wealthy — are arrested on flimsy grounds. Prosecutors fight to keep them in custody while a complicit attorney pressures them to pay significant sums to resolve the case.

Once payment is made — anywhere from R50 000 to R200 000 — the case quietly disappears. Community outrage reached a boiling point this week.

Lucy Mkhize, an elderly resident from Kathorus, described how fake estate agents, with help from corrupt court staff, forced her and others out of their homes.

“We are threatened, intimidated, and treated like we don’t matter. The law is being used to steal from the weak,” she said.

Sandy Kantilal, another victim, recounted being made to carry R500 000 in cash during her divorce proceedings, allegedly at the insistence of a court official. “My life was in danger, and they knew it,” she said.

“This court didn’t give me justice — it gave me trauma.”

Meanwhile, for people like Zaakir Mia, the nightmare continues. “The damage to my name, my business, and my peace of mind is immeasurable,” Mia said.