Goodwood court re-opens

The newly rebuilt Goodwood Municipal Court officially re-opened last week after it was demolished last year.

The City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for area central, Siyabulela Mamkeli, and the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery, unveiled a plaque at the opening.

The City’s Transport and Development Authority (TDA) demolished the old court building last year to refurbish the entire precinct, which, in addition to the court and the TDA, is home to Fire and Rescue, Disaster Risk Management and traffic services.

Raelene Arendse, the City’s mayoral committee member for corporate services, said the public could expect “a more pleasant experience” at the new court.

“I am proud that the quality of our services sets a benchmark for other municipalities to follow. A few have visited the City on a fact-finding mission with the intention of establishing municipal courts in their municipalities.”

Mr Mamkeli said the city’s first municipal court had been established at the City Hall in April 2000 following an agreement with the Department of Justice, the director of Public Prosecutions and other stakeholders.

There are now 11 across the metro in Parow, the CBD, Goodwood, Strand, Blue Downs, Mitchell’s Plain, Wynberg, Khayelitsha, Atlantis, Simon’s Town and Somerset West.

Mr Mamkeli said the new court had parking nearby, making it easier for the public to pay their fines and make representations or enquiries.

“The lighting for the court complex has been upgraded and fitted with motion sensors which help to save on electricity consumption. The access from the holding cells to the court has been newly designed in such a way that there will be minimal disruption of court proceedings,” he said.

Municipal courts are governed by the Magistrates’ Court Act, the Criminal Procedures Act and the various Department of Justice codes.

1 of 3