Court Watching Brief Unit’s efforts to promote awareness of GBV and domestic violence

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, welcomes the report provided by Advocate Leslie Morris on his first month of having been tasked to monitor cases relating to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and domestic violence (DV) through the Court Watching Brief (CWB) Unit.

Going forward, the CWB Unit will provide quarterly reports on emerging trends in cases and blockages in referral pathways to better unpack and address these matters. The Department’s CWB unit monitors criminal cases struck off the court roll as a result of possible SAPS inefficiencies. Where cases are struck off the court roll because of systemic failures, these are captured and reported to the Provincial Commissioner to ensure remedial action is taken.

Minister Fritz said, “I welcome the efforts by Advocate Morris thus far. When he was first tasked with these cases, he expressed that he wanted to go beyond monitoring cases and towards advocacy. He has done just that. Between 10 – 11 August 2020, he took part in workshops, together with Cederberg municipality, in Lamberts Bay, Elands Bay, Graafwater, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal and Wupperthal were he providing training on basic human rights, protection orders, secondary victimization, amongst others.”

Minister Fritz continued, “Advocacy and awareness on GBVF and DV cannot be limited to the CWB unit alone. As such, my Department is looking at how its directorates, stakeholders and programmes including Chrysalis Academy, Neighbourhood Watches (NHW) and Community Police Forums (CPFs) can drive this message further within communities.”

Minister Fritz said, “The Department of Community Safety remains committed not only to performing oversight but contributing to the safety of all residents. Should you wish to liaise with the CWB unit, you can call 021 483 7863 or email Adv. Morris on police.oversight@westerncape.gov.za.”