Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane is set to visit the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday to review the progress of the virtual remand detainee system, which is part of the department’s commitment to modernising the judicial process and enhancing court efficiency. The Durban court has reportedly encountered “numerous connectivity challenges” that have delayed the system’s full rollout, according to the Department of Justice and Correctional Services.
Advancing Justice through Modern Technology
The implementation of the virtual remand system is central to the Department of Justice’s modernisation programme, aimed at streamlining court proceedings and enhancing safety within the justice system. This system, designed for detainees awaiting trial, uses high-quality audio-visual technology to connect correctional centres with the courts for the postponement of criminal cases.
According to Minister Simelane, this technology represents a leap forward in aligning South Africa’s judicial processes with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which envisions a safer and more efficient judicial system. “Virtual hearings reduce the risks associated with transporting detainees and improve security at court facilities by minimising physical movement,” explained Simelane.
Not only does this system limit the possibility of escapes and reduce security risks at the court, but it also lowers the likelihood of contraband smuggling in court holding cells.
Challenges and Opportunities at the Durban Magistrate’s Court
While the virtual remand system promises numerous benefits, its implementation has faced hurdles. The Durban Magistrate’s Court has reported several connectivity issues, which have posed challenges for smooth virtual hearings. The system, although functional in certain instances, has not yet reached optimal operation due to these technical difficulties.
Minister Simelane, along with Deputy Minister Andries Nel, will engage with officials from the Justice Department, Correctional Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and members of the magistracy during their visit. They are expected to receive an in-depth briefing on the current performance of the system, as well as the challenges experienced by court staff and correctional officers in using the virtual technology effectively.
“This visit allows us to gain firsthand insights into the on-ground application of the virtual system and the practical challenges faced. We aim to identify any potential solutions to expedite the rollout,” noted Simelane.
Virtual Remand Success Stories and Expansion in KwaZulu-Natal
Despite the technical difficulties at Durban Magistrate’s Court, the virtual remand system has been largely successful across KwaZulu-Natal, with a significant number of virtual trials conducted. Since the start of the 2024/2025 financial year, the Durban Magistrate’s Court alone has hosted 169 virtual trials, with participants from other provinces as well as international locations including the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai, Scotland, and Zimbabwe.
This success highlights the adaptability of the justice system to leverage technology for an increasingly globalised judicial process. By expanding the system for remand detainees, the department intends to improve efficiency and security, especially in high-density correctional facilities linked to the Durban and Pietermaritzburg courts.
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