Hon Speaker, the ANC welcomes the reinstatement of sexual offences courts in South Africa, which will assist in stemming the wave of sexual crime against women and children. The return of courts specialising in sexual offence crimes aims to reign in violence against women in South Africa.
Frequent incidents of rape and sexual assault have given South Africa one of the highest rates of sexual crime in the world. There is also substantial underreporting of such crimes, as the police and court processes are often so unsympathetic that they constitute secondary trauma. Some magistrates have reportedly refused to try traumatic cases of rape, especially brutal child rape, because of the effect it has on them. A total of 57 courts will be established over the next three years. There is a budget for the appointment of specialist prosecutors and some have already been trained. The reinstated courts will function through specially trained officials and equipment, which will enable victims to identify the accused from a private testifying room, when necessary. The court will also have a designated court clerk and a court preparation programme to help witnesses prepare for appearances and to provide debriefing following testimony.
These specialised courts will be centred on the needs of the victim, ensuring a prompt, effective court system that will reduce the chances of any one victim experiencing a second abuse. Thank you.