Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, will visit the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 8 November, to evaluate the progress of the virtual remand detainee system.
This initiative is part of the Build-Up Activities to the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) aimed at improving the justice system's efficiency and accessibility.
The virtual remand detainee system allows accused persons who are in custody awaiting trial to attend court hearings via high-quality audio-visual links between correctional facilities and courts.
This modernisation initiative forms part of the Department of Justice’s broader programme to enhance the functionality and security of the criminal justice system.
Simelane, alongside Deputy Minister Andries Nel, will engage with officials from the Department of Justice, the Department of Correctional Services, the South African Police Service, and the judiciary.
The visit will provide an opportunity for Simelane to receive feedback on the system’s implementation and to address any challenges faced, particularly those related to connectivity issues that have previously delayed the rollout of the technology and how they have experienced the system.
In a statement, Simelane noted the importance of the system in ensuring safer and more efficient court proceedings.
“The virtual remand system is a significant step towards modernising our justice system and improving the safety of our communities. It reduces the risk of escapes, curtails the possibility of contraband smuggling, and enhances the security at courts," Simelane said.
The system has already been successfully implemented in many courts across KwaZulu-Natal.
Since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, 169 virtual trials have been conducted at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, with witnesses participating from across South Africa, as well as internationally, including the UK, US, Dubai, Scotland, and Zimbabwe.
The virtual remand system has been extended for use in the remand of detainees.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, which aims to foster safer communities by modernising the justice system and enhancing public safety.
This visit to the Durban Magistrate’s Court marks a key milestone in the continued implementation of the virtual remand system, which is now operational in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg, connecting local courts with the correctional facilities in those regions.
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