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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - George experienced a first in South African history on Thursday 21 November when the High Court in Cape Town inaugurated the very first Circuit High Court division in a township.
Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, says two judges will be deployed to the court each term to deal with criminal and civil matters.
"It's about access to justice. The idea is to make this the hub, because there are many other circuits in the area. Instead of spreading our resources thinly, we can use George as a hub to do both our criminal trials and civil matters."
Joining Hlophe for this historic event were High Court judges Nolwazi Boqwana and Nathan Erasmus.
Mohapi murder first in High Court
The first case that was heard in the new court was the pre-trial of the three murder suspects in the Hlompho Mohapi (25) case on Monday 25 November. Melisizwe Monqo (31), Siphosihle Pamba (24) and Phumlani Qusheka (30) appeared briefly, after which Erasmus postponed the pre-trial until tomorrow, Friday 29 November, as the new Legal Aid appointed advocates did not have time to consult with their clients before today.
Adv Johan Visser is Monqo's newly appointed legal representative, Adv Dawie Scholtz represents Pamba and Qusheka is represented by Adv Steven Lourens. All three were appointed by Legal Aid SA to represent the three suspects. Adv Evadne Kortje is for the state.
Mohapi was murdered last year after fraudulent insurance policies were taken out on her name without her knowledge.
Judge Nathan Erasmus is currently presiding over the matter. Six weeks have been set aside for the trial that is expected to start in February 2020.
Watch a video below.
Judge Nathan Erasmus during his speech on Thursday. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
Judge Nolwazi Boqwana said she is extremely excited about a Circuit High Court sitting in Thembalethu.
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