Only 1 magistrate to deal with family backlog cases

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The civil section at the Port Elizabeth Magistrates court has for weeks been experiencing problems with backlogs, specifically with respect to maintenance cases and cases related to family violence.

However, the Chairperson of the Attorney's Association in the Eastern Cape, Henry Lerm, says there are plans in progress to combat these challenges within the justice system.

He says a meeting was held on Thursday with representatives for the Chief Magistrate, to identify the need for case flow management in civil matters, which aims to speed up the finalisation of cases.

He says there are hundreds of maintenance and family violence matters and that the public has a right for these matters to be adjudicated as swiftly as possible.

"There is only on magistrate who will be doing all the maintenance matters and I also understand that it is a magistrate who is not very experienced in this matter. I will ask them specifically if it is envisaged if they will get extra help, if need be I will not hesitate to contact the Deputy Minister of Justice if there is a shortage of magistrates and create new posts. I believe it is the public who suffers ultimately"

Meanwhile, The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development hosted a public outreach event on maintenance and other family law issues in Kwanobuhle,Uitenhage on Friday.

The event aimed to educate the public on maintenance services.

National Project Coordinator for maintenance, Xolani Gila says several improvement strategies are being implemented across the country.

East London magistrates court will be piloting the project in the Eastern Cape.

"What we are pushing for is the finalisation of cases within 3 months, that is upon opening of an application and after the papers have been served on the person they are supposed to appear in court, then the period should start. These matters should be finalised in 7 days" he said