Chairperson, I just want to reiterate that we will be glad to come back to this House to deal comprehensively with the issue of security at our courts. It is a matter that we take very seriously and on which there is a range of measures in place. If the members want details, we can come back and provide that.
We should not confuse the question of access to justice which deals, firstly, with the location of courts; secondly, with the accessibility of the procedure in those courts; thirdly, with the accessibility of language; and fourthly, also with the very important issue of financial accessibility of our courts. The issue that the member raises of physical entrance - coming in and out of courts - is something else. When we talk about access to justice we don't mean doors should be open for any criminal to come in with whatever firearms. That is something else which we can engage on.
The hon member cited the example of the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court and I am aware of that situation. I paid a visit to that court at the end of last year. The issue of the lack of shade and shelter for those who are waiting for their matters to be heard or to testify is something that we took note of. We raised it with the regional head of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development who is attending to that matter, either by rechanneling funds within the department or by approaching members of the community and the business community to help put up a shelter. Thank you.
Consequences of establishment of constitutional state on use of lethal force
7. Mr M W Makhubela (Cope) asked the Minister of Police:
Whether the consequences of the establishment of a constitutional state placed a greater restriction on the use of lethal force as noted by the former Chief Justice P Chaskalson in his judgment in certain cases (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how was this conclusion reached?