In light of the current shortage of magistrates in the country, it will soon become compulsory for the Magistrates Courts to sit for six days a week to ensure there is no backlog of cases.

Acting Chief Registrar Ana Rokomokoti confirmed to Fijivillage that the Family Courts are already sitting every Saturday while they are setting out the plans to commence Saturday sittings for the civil and criminal cases for the Magistrates Courts.

Rokomokoti confirmed that currently there are 13 magistrates while 22 magistrates are needed to complete the requirements of the court system around the country.

The current magistrates include 3 in Suva, 2 in Labasa, 1 for Rakiraki and Tavua, 1 magistrate in Lautoka, 2 covering Nadi and Sigatoka and 2 at the Nasinu Magistrates Court.

There is also one magistrate assigned to cases in Nausori which also covers Vunidawa, Levuka and Korovou.

Rokomokoti, who is also the Chief Magistrate, also sits in on cases when the need arises.

Rokomokoti confirmed that for cases from Navua, temporary arrangements have been made for the cases to be dealt with in Suva.

Following the termination of the contracts of three magistrates last month, Rokomokoti said the recently appointed magistrates have committed themselves and agreed to share the increased workload.

She said the cases which were being dealt with by the terminated magistrates may be distributed to the new magistrates but they anticipate further appointment of magistrates to ease the workload.

The Acting Chief Registrar stressed that the doors of the courts remain open and they will ensure the general public have access to justice and that urgent cases are given the necessary attention it deserves.

The contracts of former Magistrates Eslie Hudson, Eperama Rokoika and Mary Muir were terminated last week.