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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 14 Nov 2007 Title: Benoni's revamped court to speed delivery --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- By Gabi Khumalo Benoni - The wheels of justice are expected to move a little faster for some one million people residing in Benoni following the official opening of the revamped Magistrate's Court in the area. The newly refurbished multi-million Rand court was officially opened this week by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Bridgette Mabandla. "We expect this court to, firstly, bring justice closer to the people of this area, secondly, to become the centre of advocacy for our Constitution," said Minister Mabandla. She said the court must be used as a place of hope for its residents so that the community can have faith in the justice system. "We must do away with the issue of losing dockets, this undermines justice." She further said the refurbishment of the Benoni Court and various other projects such as the opening of courts throughout the country stand as testimony of the government's determination not only to bring justice closer to the people, but also to ensure that justice is open and approachable. She also emphasised that the court belonged to the community and for it to have a positive impact on justice delivery in the area, the community must embrace it. "Court facilities on their own cannot ensure that justice is fully dispensed and accessible to all members of our communities. "A court building is not just an assembly of bricks and steel, it is the staff from the various partners in the criminal justice sector, the community in which the court facility is rooted and the many civil and community partners who gives the court its identity," said the minister. She added the dedication of the staff and the active involvement of the community was vital for the wheels of justice to be effective. In highlighting the importance of paying maintenance to alleviate poverty and lessen the burden on the vulnerable, the minister handed over cheques of R16 000 to two women who had been traced by the courts as part of operation Isondlo. Handing over the cheques, Ms Mabandla urged all women who had earlier applied for maintenance and been granted maintenance orders to check with the courts to see if their payment was ready. A member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for safety and security in Ekurhuleni, Councillor Ndosi Shongwe also said the opening of the court represented "closure of a painful past" for Ekurhuleni. The improvement of the 100 year old court building began in 2001 and has resulted in the extension of the building to house 19 courts including three regional courts, one of which will be a Specialised Serious Offences Court. The Serious Offences Court will cater for sexual crimes and other family specific offences and the Highly Secured Court will be for cases requiring extra security. The new court will also have the latest technology to keep documents safe which will reduce the number of lost dockets. - BuaNews |
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