03 Apr 2013

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has catered for establishment of divisions of the Customary Court of Appeal in the Customary Court Amendment Bill 2012 in order to cover other parts of the country, to resolve the issue of backlog of cases and expedite the processing of appeals.

Minister Peter Siele said it would not be justifiable for presidents of customary courts of appeal to appoint their alternate members to assist with backlog cases as the Customary Court Act directs that alternate members could only be nominated in instances of illness or absence out of the country or because of personal or pecuniary interest in the matter by a member.

Palapye MP, Mr Moiseraele Goya had wanted the minister to explain whether given the number of cases reaching the Customary Courts of Appeal for reviews, it was not justifiable for presidents of these courts to appoint their alternate members to assist with backlog cases so as to minimise time spent by convicts in prison who would otherwise be absolved from wrong doing.

Mr Goya also asked him to consider developing several district divisions to increase capacity to expedite the processing of appeals. ENDS