Pretoria - Justice Minister Jeff Radebe has urged law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to determine what led to the fire that caused extensive damage to the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
"Should any foul play be detected, those responsible for this must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Radebe said.
Investigations into the fire got underway on Thursday.
Johan Pieterse, spokesperson for the Tshwane Emergency Services, said fire safety officers from the Tshwane Fire Department and a police forensic team was at the court on Thursday searching for clues on what led to the fire.
The fire broke out in two offices on the top floor of the court on Wednesday and spread quickly to the roof. By the time firefighters had managed to contain the blaze, the roof had caved in and the entire top floor was damaged.
A fireman also had to be hospitalised and was treated for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Pieterse said the fireman was doing well and was released within an hour of being treated.
Court operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a statement.
During an emergency meeting, court management decided that the civil litigation court roll for trials and motion applications would also be suspended. The section of the building that dealt with civil matters was most affected by the fire.
Criminal cases will be postponed while alternative arrangements are being made.
In criminal cases where the accused is in custody at the Pretoria Central Prison, cases will be postponed from the prison. First appearances in criminal matters will be dealt with at the Pretoria Central Police Station.
Family court matters such as maintenance and domestic violence cases will be diverted to the Visage Street court, where the traffic court previously sat while other matters will be referred to courts around the city after being assessed.
The department said officials and marshals would be stationed at the Pretoria Magistrates Court to help the public.
