Sexual offences courts to return

At least 22 sexual offences courts will open this year in a revival of the system of dedicated courts, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said on Tuesday.

   

A further 35 such courts would be set up within the next three years in a bid to stem sexual violence against women and children, he told reporters in Pretoria.

   

"We have seen a rise [in] sexual violence against women and children and we cannot remain unmoved as government, but we can take steps to ensure that all those perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be brought to book and this is one of the ways of dealing with it."

   

The minister said government had never abandoned the policy of running sexual offences courts. It buckled under logistical problems, including the refusal of magistrates to serve in the courts permanently. 

 

The State was considering rotating magistrates and prosecutors who worked in sexual offences courts, Radebe said.

   

-Sapa