The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development opened the Vosman branch court on 28 January 2010. The court’s premises will be within the Vosman police station in Witbank (Emalahleni).
The new branch court is proclaimed as a branch court in terms of Government Gazette number 30559 of 14 December 2007. Criminal, maintenance, small claims, equality, domestic violence and estate matters will be heard from this court while formal enquiries will still be done at Witbank magistrate’s court.
Due to limited resources all services will be fully rendered within six months from its opening. An estimated number of 350 000 people of Vosman district which comprise Ackerville, Lynnville, Skoongesight, Kwa-Guqa, Thusanang, Ferrobank, Clewer, Sagmeel, Extension seven to 18, Hlalanikahle, Balmoral and Bultpan farms will access the court services.
The opening of Vosman court fulfils the requirement of section 34 of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) which enshrines access to courts and the strategic goal of the department: “Access to Justice for All”. This will further enhance the department’s strategic objective: “Bringing Justice Services closer to All”, especially townships and rural areas. It will further assist on ensuring speedy delivery of justice to the policing district of Vosman.
The Mayor of Emalahleni, Ms Malatjie appreciated the opportunity granted to her municipality during the opening ceremony. She further appreciated the presence of the community.
“Now the cases will be addressed at our doorstep which is important for addressing case backlogs and crime levels will also go down,” she said.
During his key note address, Chief Magistrate David Ngobeni said the court will address people in their languages. He regarded his presence as the sign of a strong partnership that exists in the criminal justice system.
“Opening this court is the first step in our fight but it is not over. The final analysis of the Constitution is to bring a better life to all people and efficient access is our wish,” said Chief Magistrate Ngobeni.
He mentioned that the opening of Vosman branch court is a challenge to the court officials in maximising the productivity through its operations. Mr Ngobeni said: “The Constitution says we are all equal before the law meaning all senior members “including myself” can be arrested if they do not abide by the law of a country.
“The court will have its sitting in the Vosman community but still under the authority of Witbank court and we will ensure that the magistrate is always available in this court. People should also access the copies of the Victims Charter so that they are empowered with information and know their rights,” said the Chief Magistrate Ngobeni.
Director for Court Operations in Mpumalanga Justice Department, Ms Nomkhosi Shange, defined the event as a response on the promises made by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
“We have made it our mission that you must know your justice leadership and today they are here to attend the event,” said Ms Shange.
She said the court will only render certain services until it is fully established and resourced citing maintenance and domestic violence as examples.
“After the opening of this branch court, we believe that children will no longer go hungry because their parents will easily access maintenance court services without major costs. Domestic violence act will also be established and realised in this court while each case will be treated as per the circumstances,” said Ms Shange.
Mr Themba Nkosi, crime convert form Hlola Isimilo Community Integration project presented an emotive speech on how crime negatively impacts on the lives of community.
“This project is for the former prisoners corrected by the Department of Correctional Services who are tired of doing bad things,” said Themba who spent ten years behind bars as a result of crime.
“Many people got help from this project and it keeps on converting and teaching crime converts that crime does not pay. I am encouraging parents to report their children to the police if they realise or suspect any signs of criminality,” he said.
Themba said “there are parents who contribute to the levels of crime in communities by failing to report their own children for the law to take its cause”.
He further explained the four dimensions of parenthood which he believes they can make a difference in “our communities”. According to Mr Nkosi the four dimensions are: biological parents, community, pastors and the law. He encouraged parents to submit the youth to God “because rehabilitation starts from within”.
Honourable Mayor of Emalahleni Ms Lina Malatjie, Chief Magistrate David Ngobeni, Area Court Manager Meshack Seekane and Director Court Operations for Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Nomkhosi Shange graced the event. Also in attendance was Chief Prosecutor of National Prosecuting Authority, Ms Ronel Wentzel, Court Manager January Mthimunye and Mr Smith, Cluster Commander for South African Police Service (SAPS) in Vosman.
Pastor Ray Mabhena opened the event with prayer and the vote of thanks was done by the Court Manager Mr January Mthimunye. Mr Mthimunye recognised the contribution, cooperation and support from all sister departments and the event organisers.
To rejuvenate the spirits; Odwa Magagula entertained the audience with her popular gospel songs. The programme directors for the day were Ms Elizabeth Mamekwa and Mr Marthinus Van Eeden while Pastor Ray Mabhena opened with prayer. The audience laughed their lungs out courtesy of the young and talented comedian Tsietsi Matlakala.
As a token for official opening, the cutting of the ribbon was done by Honourable Mayor of Emalahleni, Ms Lina Malatjie, Chief Magistrate David Ngobeni and Director Court Operations in the Mpumalanga region, Ms Nomkhosi Shange.
Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
2 February 2010
Source: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (http://www.justice.gov.za/)
