Question NW614 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Reply:

I have been informed by the Provincial Head of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in the North-West, as follows:

a) The court proceedings were delayed where necessary in the first two weeks due to the postponement of cases, thereafter alternative accommodation was arranged for Court sittings.

b) Measures taken to restore the full functionality of the Court is that a contingency plan was compiled together with all the stakeholders at the Magistrates’ Court as follows:

1. Potchefstroom Magistrate engaged JB Marks Municipality to assist in identifying alternative accommodation. The Municipality made available the Town Hall and the Traffic Court. Security and cleaners were re-arranged accordingly, as well as parking for the Judiciary and stakeholders; and Two Mobile Court Recording Technology Machines, were arranged for the two alternative accommodation arrangements.
2. The Department of Arts and Culture vacated the second floor, and these are now being used by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
3. B and E District Courts were accommodated at the Town Hall for all cases where the accused persons are out on bail or warning.
4. Regional Court is accommodated at the Traffic Court for all cases where the accused persons are on bail or warning.
5. All Regional Court matters where the accused are in custody including sexual offences related matters are heard at the Regional Court.
6. All the cases whereby the accused persons are in custody including 1st appearance matters and bail applications are dealt with in the only available court room viz. Regional Court 3.
7. The Children`s court matters are dealt with in the Head of Court boardroom.
8. The rest of the family court matters (Domestic Violence and Protection from Harassment) including District Civil Court matters are dealt with in the dedicated Children`s Court.
9. Additional office space was made available on the 1st floor and the quasi- judicial functions (Small claims, Maintenance applications, Clerk of the Civil Court, Cash hall, Offices for the Magistrates Regional and District and Public Prosecutors have been accommodated there.
10. Separate transport have been made available to transport members of public, accused persons on bail/ warning and witness to the respective alternative accommodation.
11. Two buses are available to transport staff and witnesses. Some of the attorneys requested to use the bus, as according to them, parking was limited at the Town Hall.
12. The Department procured three (3) alternative recording devices for the Potchefstroom Court to assist the court in the prevention of postponements.
13. To ensure effective implementation of the contingency plan, daily meetings are held at 08:00 in the morning with all the JCPS stakeholders to discuss the circumstances prevailing.
14. On 22 February 2023, a meeting was held with DPWI National Office. The Supply Chain process is now in progress with regards to the replacement of the collapsed rooftop.