The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today heard that security at all courts will be strengthened, particularly following the burglary at the Offices of the Chief Justice (OCJ) a few weeks ago.

Ms Faith Muthambi, Acting Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, told the Committee that the Critical Infrastructure Bill currently in Parliament will go a long way to assist in this regard. Deputy Minister of Justice Mr John Jeffery did not want to elaborate further on the matter, as per the instruction of the South African Police Service. He only added that the OCJ is housed in the building of the Department of Justice, forced entry was used, a number of computers were stolen from the human resources section containing information on the salaries of judges and OCJ staff.

Committee Chairperson Dr Mathole Motshekga said the meeting respects the decision not to provide detailed information. In response to a request by Committee member Mr Werner Horn to call ministers to account for the burglary, Dr Motshekga said: “The burglary is an ongoing investigation. We need to allow the investigation to continue.”

The Committee further heard concerns that 72% of the department’s budget is spent on the wage bill. Mr Vusi Madonsela, Director-General in the Department, said a cap was needed on the wage bill, “but it needs negotiations with unions at a central level, at a public service level”.

The Department reaffirmed the need for the transformation of state legal services. Work towards the determination of an appropriate institutional form and the resourcing thereof is being pursued through the Government Technical Advisory Centre. This institution will be led by the Solicitor-General, who will be entrusted with the responsibility of transforming the state litigation services by developing the office of the State Attorneys into the biggest law firm in the country and a firm of choice for the state.

This process is also intended consolidate the functions of the Office of the Chief State Law Advisers and the State Attorneys under a single head to ensure that government has access to its best resources in a more streamlined and rationalised manner.

Committee member Mr Nthako Matiase wanted to know about work being done in the scrapping of petty criminals’ records, as their crime records sometimes prevent them from finding employment. Another member, Ms Chana Pilane-Majake, expressed concern about vacant position on the Magistrates Commission.

The Committee will interact for the rest of the week with various entities under the department.

Rajaa Azzakani
28 March 2016