Gqeberha Magistrate Abigail Beeton has been compelled by the High Court to deliver judgment in a civil matter, which she has been sitting on for nearly three years, failing which she could be found in contempt of court.

A HeraldLIVE report says Beeton presided over the unlawful search, wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution civil suit brought against the Minister of Police by Sherwin Hoggons (27).

She reserved judgment on 27 July 2018 and has yet to conclude the matter.

Hoggons eventually turned to the Eastern Cape High Court (Gqeberha) to compel Beeton to make a ruling.

Last week Judge Mandela Makaula signed an order compelling Beeton to do so within 10 days, failing which an application would be brought to the High Court to find her in contempt of court.

Hoggons’ attorney Peter McKenzie said despite numerous e-mails sent to Beeton as well as the Chief Magistrate, the judgment had still not been delivered, leaving his client trying to maintain his reputation and suffering damages in the amount of R160 000.

‘The matter was even reported to the Magistrates' Commission but still we have no judgment,’ McKenzie said.

In court papers, McKenzie said on several occasions when Beeton failed to deliver judgment, she either claimed she had been on leave or suffering stress related to her job.

Full HeraldLIVE report