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 Plettenberg 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 (10) courtrooms that include two (2) sexual offences courtrooms, four (4) criminal, two (2) regional and two (2) 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 to reducing the levels of unemployment as the construction company involved in the project, has so far employed more than 270 residents.

Inspection of the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court

Date                : 15 May 2017

Time               : 08h00

Venue            :  Plettenberg 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