Special courts to tackle hooligans during FIFA World Cup

Fifty-four special courts have been set up by the South African authorities to tackle hooliganism and other matters related to FIFA World Cup starting in June, Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel said.

"The courts are ready. A large number of acting magistrates have been appointed this week and practice runs have taken place at these courts," Nel told BuaNews.

Nel warned the courts would not hesitate in dealing with criminals during the soccer tournament.

"Any hooligans or criminals who try their luck during the World Cup will also feel something - the red card of the law," he said.

The special courts - 34 at district courtrooms and 20 in regional courts - have been set up across the country by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Most of the courts are expected to open Friday and will hear cases till July 25.

The department said it had a constitutional obligation to ensure the rights of people are protected in South Africa.

"In furtherance of this constitutional mandate the department is putting extraordinary measures in place to ensure the cases involving the multitude of soccer fans and participating teams who will be coming from all corners of the world are fast tracked," it said.

South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa and Judiciary are part of the Administration of Justice Plan that will be implemented to deal with crimes associated with the World Cup June 11 to July 11.

To ensure the cases are dealt with speedily, the courts will operate on two shifts - the day shift from 7.45 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and night shift from 4.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

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