New measures to tackle persistent magistrates' courts case backlogs

JUSTICE and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has outlined measures aimed at addressing the delays in magistrates’ courts, which result in cases taking months and even years to be finalised.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Kubayi said her department has convened the National Case Backlogs Committee, comprised of members of the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa, the Office of the Chief Justice, the SAPS, the Department for Correctional Services, the Legal Practice Council, and officials from the department's court administration branch.

"This committee is tasked with addressing blockages experienced in the courts, which lead to delays and postponements that contribute to growing case backlogs in the courts.

"This committee has at its core an understanding that the cooperation and collaboration of every role player in the criminal and civil justice system is needed to address backlogs," she said.

Kubayi said it was envisaged that having all the key role players in the committee would allow for speedy resolutions to challenges experienced in the courts.