Revamp, new tech for Ntuzuma court

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The newly built Magistrate's Court forms part of the department's infrastructure development intended for previously under serviced communities. The Ntuzuma Magistrates' Court is the 43rd court to be built since 1994.

The equipment includes the digital court system for recording of proceedings in active court rooms and an Audio Visual Remand system which links to Correctional Services for facilitation of postponements and other matters via video conference.

The regional and high court rooms are fitted with CCTV equipment, two-way facilities and waiting rooms for facilitation of sexual offences cases involving minors.

The new court building will bring dignity to the manner in which justice services are administered in the communities of Inanda, Phoenix, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma and surrounding areas, especially since services at the old court site were limited.

"Through the construction of courts, the right of everyone to have any dispute resolved by the application of the law in a fair public hearing before a court is guaranteed. Bringing this court closer to the people will undoubtedly cut the travel costs and time," said Radebe.

Hailing the opening of the court, KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Chiman Patel said the court had been mooted as "the answer to swift justice as it will alleviate the burden on the other court".

Patel also mentioned that KwaZulu-Natal was a pilot site for the case flow management project, a project aimed at reducing case backlogs.

The department has invested over R200 million in the construction of this facility, which fits a project of this magnitude. A fully-fledged court building, which consists of 17 court rooms - including one High Court Seat, 45 magistrate and prosecutor offices, 19 prisoner cells and four prisoner consultation rooms - will be constructed.