South Africa Plans
World Cup Courts
South
Africa is to set up special courts to handle crimes during the 2010 World Cup.
The government
hopes the fast-track justice system will enable visitors to give evidence while
still in the country and therefore act as a deterrent.
A total of 54
courts will operate in the nine World Cup host cities.
The justice
ministry said, in a statement that foreigners involved in crimes, as victims or
perpetrators, will have their cases given priority.
"The experience
from previous host countries has shown the influx of foreign nationals in World
Cups also potentially increases criminal activities,"
the statement said.
Spokesman Tlali
Tlali added, "The courts are here to speed up the process. There is not going
to be any leniency."
The cost of the
scheme will be about one million rand and judges, lawyers and volunteers will
all receive special training.
South Africa is
one of the world's most violent countries but, since assuming office in May,
President Jacob Zuma has made fighting crime a priority.
BBC/Yinka
