December 9, 2005
By Rose Setshoge
"SILENCE in court," rung out and 52 learners were instantly as quiet as mice. Some of them were fascinated to be sitting in the magistrate's court; others seemed frightened.
The learners, selected from schools in Lenasia and Ennerdale in Region 11, on Wednesday, 7 December toured the Lenasia magistrate's court and the Ennerdale Police Station, including the cells. Aged from seven to 18, they were chosen based on their participation in various school projects.
The tours were organised by the Regional Forum in partnership with South African Stop Child Abuse (Sasca), an organisation that works to stop child abuse.
According to Sally Rabichand, the administrator of victim empowerment projects in the Regional Forum, the tours are held to make children aware of the services provided by courts and police stations, to create child-friendly environments and to remove their fear of the premises.
"These tours will assist the learners to understand the consequences of committing crime as well as creating communication channels between them and police officials," said Paul Khatsi, the president of Sasca.
Speaking to the children, Barney Mavundla, a prosecutor at the Lenasia magistrate's court, explained the procedures, structures, functions and rules of the courtroom.
Their questions included what subjects to study if they wanted to become lawyers; how long it took to study to become a lawyer and the responsibilities of a judge and a prosecutor. They also wanted to know how judges took decisions and if they always took the right ones.
In turn, they were asked to take a message back to their parents to stop scaring children regarding police and police uniforms as they grew up thinking that policemen were bad people and against the community.
"I do not want to see myself in the courtroom being prosecuted or anywhere near jail because the environment is hostile," said one learner, Tumi Lekgwathi.
"I am very proud and happy to see men coming forward and participating in these projects because it shows support and dignity in protecting children, especially during the 16 Days of Activism," Khatsi said.
Lenasia's Family Life Centre, which helps people deal with family crises, joined the tour to get information regarding referring their clients to court.
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