Complaints have been made about the cases that are yet to be returned to the courts in this country, the lack of preparation of the courts as well as other challenges facing those working in the Department of Justice due to the reduction of the department’s budget.
This was expressed by different parties in Parliament during the debate on the department’s budget presented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi.
Mrs. Kubayi stated that this year’s budget has been reduced by R332 million, while it is R26.3 billion.
“I have heard complaints that some of the things will not happen due to budget cuts. There are plans that we will strengthen, including strengthening the team that works with the police and following up on the results of the Madlanga Commission,” he said.
Mr. Mzwanele Manyi of MKP, complained that the cases will be postponed due to the lack of vacancies.
“There are more than 1,600 vacancies that have not been closed, and the courts are not repaired on time, which makes it difficult to work. This indicates that the workers will still have to bear the brunt since the department is very important in prosecuting the corrupt.”
Some members of Parliament also complained about the lack of justice in the courts, the backlog of cases and other existing problems.
Ms. Kubayi said that they are in the process of filling the open positions due to the promotion of employees.
“We have set aside R2.7 billion to increase the salaries of magistrates, the total amount of salaries is R16 billion which is 62% of the budget. We are fighting crime by strengthening the registration of sim cards as crimes are mostly done using technology. We have set a deadline for telecommunication companies to comply with the RICA regulations, which will fail to do this we will take measures. We are fighting the problem of the spread of unregistered sim cards in this country to prevent crime.”
He said they are increasing the number of courts that will deal with cases involving violence against women.
“We are also revising the regulations regarding the document containing the names of people who have been convicted of sexual abuse so that it can be opened. That way it will be easier to see those who have been convicted.”