Justice Minister says no to special e-toll courts

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe has confirmed in a reply to a DA parliamentary question that he is not contemplating the establishment of special e-toll courts, and that prosecutions will be done in the ordinary district courts.

The DA submitted this parliamentary question after speculation was rife that special courts were being investigated as a result of the large number of prosecutions envisaged for non-compliance with e-toll payments.

The Minister added that "there will be a constant review of the capacity requirements of the district courts as the roll out of the e-toll process progresses".

The DA is pleased that the Minister has dismissed the possibility of special e-toll courts. The establishment of e-tolls courts would have be a slap in the face of ordinary South Africans if the collection of e-tolls were to be prioritised over other justice matters. 

There should be an on-going review of capacity requirements in the district courts all the time, not only as the e-toll process progresses, as there are often long delays in the finalisation of cases. If there is a sudden increase in capacity in courts that deal mostly with e-toll prosecutions, it will be a clear indication that government interests are regarded as more important than those of ordinary South Africans seeking justice.

We shall be keeping a close watch on developments in this regard. 

Statement issued by Debbie Schafer MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, November 20 2013

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