BOTSHABELO – The Sexual Offences Court within the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court is envisaged to intensify the work of dealing with rampant sexual offence cases. Mamoloko Kubayi, minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, officially opened the court on Thursday 4 December in Botshabelo.
This specialised court is dedicated to handling cases related to sexual offences. It is designed to address the specific needs of these sensitive matters, particularly where vulnerable victims are involved.
The court is equipped with trained personnel, appropriate facilities, and procedures aimed at providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual offences.
It adds to the 16 operational courts dedicated to effectively dealing with sexual offence cases.
According to the department, more than 40 existing courts have been upgraded across the country.
The country is grappling with rampant sexual offence cases.
According to the department, there have been more than 100 000 cases involving child victims reported over the past six financial years. Of these cases, it reported that more than 22 000 were sexual offences.
The court offers specialised services that conventional courts cannot provide to victims of sexual violence.
These specialised courts are envisaged to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution and strengthen community confidence in the justice system.
“The court provides a child-friendly environment and ensures that victims do not have to testify in the same room as perpetrators. Specialist professionals are available to support victims in giving their testimonies in an enabling environment.
“This provides them with speedy access to help,” said Kubayi.
Present at the launch of the Botshabelo Sexual Offences Court included the likes of Free State premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and Mangaung Metro mayor, Gregory Nthatisi.
“Sexual violence constitutes one of the most devastating offences in our society,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
“It impacts not just the individual survivor, but also families, communities, and the nation at large.
“Survivors frequently encounter prolonged delays, secondary trauma, stigma, and barriers that impede their access to justice.
“This court has been established as a direct response to those challenges. It signifies a commitment: that survivors will be acknowledged, safeguarded, and treated with empathy and expertise.”
Letsoha-Mathae stated that in addition to work done by non-profit organisations, funded organisations that are not doing what they are meant to do, would be monitored for their impact in helping communities, “particularly women and children, who are the most vulnerable and victims of abuse, sexual violence, and gender-based violence and femicide”.
