Concerns over non-operational scanners at Wynberg and Bellville Magistrates’ Courts
Electronic scanners are not operational at the Wynberg Magistrates' Court.
Image: Genevieve Serra
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said they were aware of the electronic scanners not being operational at the Wynberg and Bellville Magistrates’ Court.
The Cape Argus was on site at both court houses where security personnel had to manually search bags of attendees.
Wynberg court was rocked by a murder inside the building earlier this year when murder-accused, Dingalomoyo Chintso who was shot following a court appearance in April and several arrests were made thereafter.
Last month, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi addressed the National Assembly in which she revealed that her department was implementing security improvements at the court house based on its security profile.
The court house had a second security breach attempt on September 8 identified when a firearm was detected, utilising the effectiveness of metal detectors.
However this was not the case, when the Cape Argus visited the courthouse a few days ago where attendees were searched manually by security staff and bags checked.
At Bellville Magistrates’ Court, the situation was the same, with staff having to manually search belonging as the electronic scanners were not operational.
This week, in response to queries why the scanners were not operational, it said that ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security has since been updated nationwide including the Western Cape and that the two courthouses were receiving priority.
"The Department is aware of the challenges relating to the electronic scanners at both the Wynberg and Bellville Magistrates’ Courts,” it said.
“It is concerning that these challenges have emerged despite the Department’s investment in upgraded security infrastructure at several courts in the province, especially in response to recent incidents of violence.
“The department is working closely with relevant stakeholders to identify and resolve the technical issues affecting the scanners to ensure that normal operations resume as soon as possible.
It said these include tighter access control, improved surveillance systems, and increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
At a broader level, Kubayi, and the Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, in their capacity as Co-Chairpersons of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, recently convened a high-level meeting supported by Deputy Ministers Andries Nel of Justice and Constitutional Development) and Polly Boshielo of Police.
The meeting focused on implementing a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder plan to combat gang violence in the Western Cape and strengthen the security of the justice system nationwide.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais said her office was part of recent engagements with the Western Cape Judge President and SAPS provincial management: "The issue of metal detectors not working is problematic and fixing it should be prioritised as part of ongoing measures to improve security.”