Question NW3824 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
15 November 2022 - NW3824
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
During a recent unannounced oversight visit to the Magistrates Court in Plettenberg Bay, it became apparent that the court designated for the hearing of children’s cases cannot be used as the video technology is not operative, the separate entrance designated for use by child and women victims is unable to be used as the door does not open, forcing them to use the general entrance and leaving them vulnerable to intimidation, is there some plan in place to rectify the unsatisfactory state of affairs?
Reply:
The designated Sexual Offences area in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ Court, including waiting areas, are controlled and secured through the biometric system (central pool). This system was affected by the electrical power outage which occurred and affected the entire area. When the municipality restored electricity, the courts conducted a functionality test, and a call was logged to restore the biometric system, which is a security function that controls and restricts access to protect court users. As of 21st October 2022 the system is now functional.
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