Question NW4116 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
08 December 2015 - NW4116
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)(a) When will she finalise the appointment of military judges to the military courts and (b) what are the reasons for the delay in the appointments of military judges; (2) (a) what are the practical consequences of the specified delay in respect of the backlog of cases and (b) how will this be addressed? NW4989E
Reply:
- (a) On 13 October 2015, I made the following appointments: Statutory Directors (Director Military Judges, Directory Military Prosecutions, Director Military Defence Counsel and Director Military Judicial Reviews); Reserve Force Military Judges (2 Senior Military Judges and 4 Military Judges).
(b) Regular Force Military Judges will be appointed as soon as their secret security clearances are in place.
(2) (a) As indicated above, I have appointed Statutory Directors and Reserve Force Military Judges to deal with cases in the military justice system.
(b) Once vetting is completed of Regular Force Military Judges these appointments will further alleviate pressure on the system.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015