Justice minister outlines increased security measures at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi says several security interventions were put in place at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court since the fatal shooting that took place at the facility in April.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
THE installation of steel burglar gates with remote access buttons at desks in the magistrates’ offices on the first floor of the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court and wide-angle peepholes to all office doors are among the measures Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi hope will provide increased security.
Kubayi also said the 43 prosecutors’ offices will receive steel security gates, remote buttons, and peepholes.
“Specifications are being finalised, proceeding with the procurement procedure.”
The passageway in the chief magistrate’s administration area was to be secured with burglar gates.
“Public access is controlled via a bell, and loitering is prohibited,” she said.
The minister further said the SAPS and the prosecution were now providing advance notice of high-profile or gang-related cases.
A scanner has been loaned from the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) office and is to be used until August while finalising the procurement processes.
“Procurement of a new multi-purpose scanner - detecting metal, copper, drugs, steel, and plastic - is under way for the front entrance. A basic scanner is going to be installed at the judiciary’s back entrance.”
The measures come after murder-accused Dingalomoyo Chintso was shot dead on the premises following a court appearance in April.
Chintso was reportedly shot in the lobby area by shooters who walked into the court building. There were claims that the metal detector was broken at the time.
Following that fatal shooting, Kubayi led a visit by top officials of the department to the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court to establish the circumstances that led to the incident.
The department said at the time, Director-General Doctor Mashabane had directed the installation of a security scanner, tightening of access control to prosecutors’ and magistrates’ offices, and enhancing vetting of court officials.
Regarding parking and access, Kubayi said a joint application was made to the City of Cape Town for dedicated parking in front of the court.
“DPP instructed all prosecutors to enter through the front security checkpoint.”
There was now increased security staffing, with the guard complement increased from eight to 11, and three in-house security officers have been added to regular patrols.
Kubayi said the SAPS ensured that there was a court orderly in each courtroom.
“An application is submitted to assign two orderlies per courtroom. Orderlies are to provide visible policing when courts are not in session.”
Kubayi previously said all judicial precincts were guarded by 5,584 security guards on a 24-hour basis in all nine provinces.
At least 105 courts have CCTV to provide and enhance internal and external monitoring, while 45% of the judicial precincts have a perimeter fence.
Kubayi said a security strategy of the department has proposed new ways to address the security gaps in all the courts.
“A medium-term plan has been incorporated into the annual performance plan of the department to install new electronic security measures in the different courts to enhance the safety and security of court personnel, legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, and members of the public who visit courts daily,” she said.
Cape Times