Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)NoticesDirections to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in all Courts, Court Houses and Justice Service Points in the Republic of South Africa7. Measures to reduce case backlogs |
| 7.1 | All courts must function optimally subject to the norms and standards determined by the Chief Justice and under strict observance of the health protocols. |
| 7.2 | A priority roll of criminal cases must be compiled in respect of each court under the direction of the presiding officer of such court and in consultation with the National Prosecuting Authority and Legal Aid South Africa. |
| 7.3 | The following cases must be placed on the priority roll: |
| (a) | Trials involving awaiting -trial detainees who are in custody; |
| (b) | cases where accused persons are charged with gender-based violence and femicide, other forms of serious contact crimes, corruption and a serious contravention of the Regulations; |
| (c) | cases that are trial-ready; |
| (d) | cases that are to be enrolled for sentence following conviction; |
| (e) | partly heard cases; and |
| (f) | any other case which the presiding officer deems it necessary to be included in the priority roll. |
| 7.4 | Weekly meetings of all relevant stakeholders must be convened by the presiding officer of each court for purposes of preparing, updating, reviewing or monitoring the priority roll required in respect of each such court. |