Parliament, Thursday, 24 October 2024 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice yesterday concluded its oversight programme to Limpopo, hailing it as fruitful, robust and successful.
Yesterday, the committee visited the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court and the Thohoyandou Police Station. They engaged with the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, the Special Investigation Unit and the State Security Agency. On Tuesday, the committee visited the Border Management Authority at the Beitbridge border where it had engagements with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Services (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force and the South African Revenue Service before doing a site visit.
Committee Chairperson Ms Jane Mananiso said, “The overall visit was enlightening for committee members to better understand how the different stakeholders work together, register challenges and to make recommendations on how to strengthen the work.”
At the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court, the committee emphasised that courts should prioritise awareness-raising programmes to inform communities about court processes, especially those fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The committee heard that the court has a shortage of court interpreters, which means it has to regularly rely on casual interpreters. “Court interpretation services are important and should be prioritised to ensure access to courts and to accommodate human rights for all. Casual court interpreters must be absorbed into the system in order to retain this necessary skill,” said Ms Mananiso. The committee further advised the department to use innovations in digital technology to cater for that service.
The committee heard concerns about outdated generators in the court that served 196 villages, the family advocate operating in a mobile structure and the delay in court upgrades that were affected by a fire and has led to limited court space. “As a committee, we need to prioritise a meeting with Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to address infrastructural challenges confronting the security and justice sector,” Ms Mananiso said.
“The committee also encouraged the court to address slow network challenges, which cause delays in case capturing, vacancies and to implement a clear plan to address backlogs speedily. We are championing ‘a zero backlog’ approach,” said Ms Mananiso.
During its oversight visit to the Thohoyando Police Station, the committee heard that there has been an improvement in contact crimes statistics, with murders down from 68 in 2022/2023 to 57 in 2023/2024, attempted murders down 13 counts, assault with the intention to cause serious bodily harm was down down 35 counts year on year.
Sexual offences were however up 9.3%. “We note the improvement and want to commend the men and women in blue for the hard work. We are however extremely concerned about the increase in sexual offences matters. Our country is struggling with GBVF. It is the responsibility of every person in this country to ensure that attacks on women and children are eliminated,” she highlighted.
The committee heard that although SAPS in the province is understaffed and servicing a large area, it has still managed to increased operations. The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation reported success with the multi-million rand Groblersdal drug laboratory bust and the Lebowakgomo drug bust, valued at R4million. SAPS also reported disruptions to the operations of the Jerusalem gang involved in kidnappings, extortions, murders and illicit trade.
Ms Mananiso said: “It is clear to the committee that much of the challenges and crime in the area was attributed to the porous border, with foreigners finding access in South Africa to products required for producing drugs while being able to access the border to distribute their products to neighbouring countries and internationally.”
The committee also met with civic organisations in Thohoyandou and noted the issues raised of illegal foreigners committing crimes, illegal liquor traders contravening the bylaws, as well as the need for more police personnel and another police station to service Thohoyandou.
“We are happy with the honesty and transparency during our oversight visit, which allowed for meaningful engagement on the real challenges affecting the people on the ground. We call for greater cooperation between all stakeholders to ensure we use resources efficiently and maximise service to our people and keeping our country protected,” said Ms Mananiso.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, MS JANE MANANISO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour