By Nosihle Shelembe
Pretoria – Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe has lauded the launch of the Sexual Offences Court in Bethlehem, in the Free State.
“Government remains resolute to strengthen the criminal justice system so as to deal decisively with the violation of the rights of women and children,” Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe said.
He was briefing the media on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting, which was held in Cape Town on August 20.
“These dedicated courts are equipped to provide specialised victim-support services which in turn to help improve conviction rates.
“This forms part of government’s intervention programme in the fight against sexual violence against women, children and the vulnerable groups,” Minster Radebe said.
Sexual offences courts are aimed at strengthening the fight against sexual violence in the country, especially against women, children and persons with disability.
The Sexual Offences Court in Bethlehem was launched last week by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha.
Last month, during his Budget Speech, Minister Masutha indicated that his department will increase the number of dedicated sexual offences courts as the protection of the rights of vulnerable members of society remains a priority for the next five years.
“By the end of 2015/16, we must have upgraded 57 Regional Courts into Sexual Offences Courts,” said Minister Masutha at the time.
To date, 22 Sexual Offences Courts have been designated. These courts, according to the department, guarantee high conviction rates because of the specialised skills deployed to these courts. – SAnews.gov.za
