The Committee was addressed by Mr Weidemann, Chief Prosecutor of the Court. Mr Weidemann informed the Committee that the court was no longer a sexual offences court but was dealing with rape cases. In terms of staff, the court has 1 contract magistrate dealing with old and new cases, 1 control prosecutor and 2 prosecutors. The Committee was informed that the court deals with cases of domestic violence. Domestic violence cases are also dealt with in different magistrate courts. In terms of withdrawal of cases, the Committee was informed that the court does not have records of withdrawals of cases. Regional Courts have records of such withdrawals. The Committee was informed that the court had 410 cases of rape for 2009. Out of the 410 rape cases, 99 cases were postponed, 127 were withdrawals, 44 people were found guilty, 102 not guilty and 14 warrants of arrest were issued. In terms of reasons for withdrawal of cases, the Committee was informed that cases were withdrawn due to the request by the complainant, cases not properly investigated and others are withdrawn by the Prosecutors. The major problem highlighted was the shortage of staff. The Court had two vacancies for Prosecutors and applicants who applied were rejected because the applicants did not apply for the appropriate court e.g. Sibasa Court. The court is also not well resourced in terms of offices and computers. The issue of shortage of social workers was highlighted but the Committee was informed that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was dealing with the issue.