Deputy Minister Jeffery to launch Thembalethu Sexual Offences Court and inspect progress at the construction of the Plettenburg Bay Magistrate Court
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery, will officially launch the Thembalethu Sexual Offences Court in George, Western Cape on 15 May 2017.
Sexual Offences Courts were reintroduced by the department in August 2013 to provide specialised support services to victims of sexual offences, decrease turnaround times for finalisation of sexual offences cases and improve conviction rates in these cases.
The launch of the Sexual Offences Courts will be preceded by a walkabout at the Plettenburg Bay Magistrate Court.
The construction of the court is part of the department’s efforts to bring access to justice closer to the people. The state of the art court, which will serve over 30 000 people, is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
On its completion, the court will boast ten court rooms that includes two sexual offences courtrooms, four criminal, two regional and two family courtrooms as well a civil and an equality court.
The building also features state-of- the-art security systems; a secure accused off-loading area leading to the courtrooms, offices for magistrates and prosecutors, child maintenance and domestic violence facilities, ample public waiting areas and parking facilities.
The construction of the court is already contributing in reducing the levels of unemployment as the construction company involved in the project, has so far employed more than 270 residents.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Inspection of the Plettenburg Bay Magistrate’s Court
Date: 15 May 2017
Time: 8h00
Venue: Plettenburg Bay Magistrate’s Court, Western Cape
George Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre Walkabout
Date: 15 May 2017
Time: 10h15
Venue: George Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre, George, Western Cape
The launch of Thembalethu Sexual Offences Courts
Date: 15 May 2017
Time: 11h00
Venue: Thembalethu Magistrate Court, George, Western Cape
For media confirmations contact: Victor Mateane Phala on 082 465 2469 /Vphala@justice.gov.za or Kgomotso Makinta on 073 281 9661/ Kmakinta@justice.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 083 641 8141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
