Wynberg Court fires inspires immediate security review
The Justice Department and the Department of Constitutional Development have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the court as a space for justice, not a crime, following the fatal shooting at Winburg Magistrates Court, EWN reports. Doc Mashabane, advocate for the Department Director, visited the court to assess security and ordered an immediate upgrade. Department spokesman Kgalalelo Masibi said Mashabane met with stakeholders including the National Indictment Authority, SAPS and Legal Aid SA to review security measures and identify necessary improvements. She said urgent measures have been taken, including installing security scanners, tightening access controls and strengthening reviews of court officials.
“Orania Lite” faces a financial crisis after interest rate hikes
Kleinfontein’s white-only African settlement faces a threat to its survival after Tshwane Municipality announced a new valuation roll, increasing its assets value from R21 million to R290 million, EWN reports. Spike will increase monthly interest rates from R50,000 to around R2 million. Kleinfontein spokesman Danny de Beale was called “Tax them and die.” The settlement, often referred to as “Olania Light,” was already declared illegal by the Goten High Court in 2023, in violation of local government zoning laws.
The absence of an interpreter delays sensitive cases
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has expressed serious concern and has condemned the court’s interpreter’s alleged misconduct in Magistrate Marti’s court, leading to the postponement of a sensitive bail hearing involving a seven-year-old child. The interpreter was unable to return after lunch due to alcohol abuse and misunderstood officials about his absence. Kubayi labelled the incident as unacceptable and damaging, particularly in issues involving vulnerable individuals, and called for urgent investigation and accountability. The department then began arrangements to appoint qualified interpreters so that hearings resume without further delays on April 15th.
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