The Foundation Notes DOJ’s Commitment To Increase Court Safety

25 October 2024

The FW de Klerk Foundation notes Justice Minister Thembisile Simelane’s response to a recent question by ANC MP, Hon Xego, that her department is committed to continually increase the security in courts across the country to ensure that the administration of justice is delivered without fear, favour or prejudice.

“South Africa needs to ensure that judicial officers can perform their duties without fear for their safety. We depend on the courts to protect our basic constitutional rights. Without a judiciary, things fall apart, this is why it is critical to ensure judicial staff are kept safe,” says Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation.

In January and July this year, the FW de Klerk Foundation called upon the government to ensure the safety of judicial officers as required by section 165(4) of the Constitution, to identify “at risk” legal and judicial officers and to implement protective measures to ensure their safety and to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. This was after it was revealed that a third of magistrates were threatened or harmed in 2021/2022 and the attempted assassination of Adv Naudé.

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 25 October 2024