Saturday courts to speed up justice
2011-07-28 21:20
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Judiciary
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Pretoria - Legal Aid SA was happy at the smooth running of Saturday courts in the North West, aimed at easing bottlenecks in the criminal justice system, it said on Thursday.
"We are excited about this initiative as it speaks to the core of Legal Aid SA's business plan," said spokesperson Mpho Phasha.
"We are also proud of our practitioners involved in the courts to ensure that accused persons' right to a speedy trial is observed and put into practice."
For now, the Saturday Courts project was only implemented at the Molopo Magistrate's Court and the Mafikeng Justice Centre.
Phasha could not give the number of cases finalised since the introduction in May.
The courts run from 09:00 to 13:45.
Phasha said the initiative was in collaboration the police and the National Prosecuting Authority.
He said their involvement showed their "passion for justice".
Most of the cases dealt with at the courts range from assault, common robbery, housebreaking, theft, and shoplifting.
Phasha said Saturday courts will only be extended where there is a need, based on the backlog.
- SAPA
