The IFP welcomes the intervention by the Ministers of Justice and Police Services, the Magistrates Commission, the Prosecuting Authority and others following the shocking arrest of Magistrate Hendrik van der Walt of Groblersdal.

However, the IFP is particularly concerned about the possibility that the arrest may inhibit magistrates to fearlessly carry out their judicial duties in future. "It is only human for magistrates to be aware, in future, of the awesome risk of being summarily arrested and thrown in jail," said IFP spokesperson on Justice, Koos van der Merwe MP.

"We therefore urge the Ministers of Justice and Police to eradicate this judicial atrocity as a matter of extreme urgency in order to protect Magistrates and put their minds at rest."

"Even if the Magistrate had committed a wrong, which appears not be the case in this instance, there was certainly no reason why he should have been locked up in prison. There are existing procedures in place to deal with such matters in a civilised manner."

"The heads of the guilty parties who committed this judicial atrocity are to roll so that justice could be visible."