17 Jun 2018

Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane says the manner in which deputy sheriffs address customer issues does not only affect the image of the judicial system, but also has an effect on the economy of the country.

Officiating at the deputy sheriffs training workshop at Mahalapye on June 15, Justice Rannowane said the status of the justice system was among the prerequisite for investors to determine their investment destination.

“You are an important cog in the wheel of justice, but you must work together with other players in the justice system. Work together as a team and ensure that justice is delivered promptly and efficiently,” he said.

He highlighted that the complaints received by the justice system from the public with regard to the services provided by deputy sheriffs included non-remittance of the money received from judgement debtors, high service fees and non-response to customers’ communication.

The deputy sheriffs , he said were also accused of being aggressive towards the public, operating from brief cases and car boots, favouritism in handling customers and abuse of attached property.  This, he said was disturbing since most of the complaints had proved to be genuine.

He said the  induction workshop would therefore help address the concerns and  emphasised the need to review the reforms and debate ways of intensifying public education and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. By so doing, Justice Rannowane said all the intended efforts would instill public confidence in what deputy sheriffs do.

He therefore highlighted prioritising the need to drill resource persons on customer relations.

Delivering the welcome remarks at the workshop, the Registrar and Master of the High Court, Mr Michael Motlhabi said the deputy sheriffs must work towards achieving the vision of the Administration of Justice of ‘Achieving World Class Judiciary.’ ENDS