ABERDEEN NEWS - Petty crime is rife in Aberdeen - from common theft to small robberies, housebreaking and entering and theft of personal belongings. Residents in Lotusville, Thembalesizwe and Aberdeen Town all suffer under this scourge.

Police crime statistics does not reflect the true frequency of these crimes - mainly because victims are reluctant to report and open cases, or subsequently withdraw their cooperation. 

Often, especially when the stolen goods are retrieved, cases are withdrawn before going to court.

Another reason given is the unpleasant experience at court.

"First we were victims of crime. At court, the criminal arrives protected in the back of an enclosed van and spends time inside the building, sheltered. The victims have to stand outside - not knowing what is going on."

One victim (X) who lost almost the entire content of her house, decided to take the matter further. "I've been a victim of theft before, but never to this extent. So for once,

I decided I wanted to see the criminal behind bars."

During the investigation a suspect was arrested, charged and the victim was summoned to testify. Another victim (Y) of the same suspect was also called to testify. Three more people were summoned as witnesses in cases against the suspect.

No waiting facilities

On the day of their appearance, the weather was foul with strong wind. They were waiting inside the courtroom, but the prosecutor told them to wait outside as the public was not allowed inside during the next case on the roll. The witnesses could not locate the court roll and officials told them to wait, so the group, including a mother and baby, stood in the sun and howling wind not knowing their case was the last of the day.

They were allowed to use the toilets marked "Staff", but say drinking water wasn't readily available.

First complaint ever

The administrative clerk of the court was dumbfounded about the experience as portrayed by the five witnesses. "We have never received any complaints at the court. This is the very first time." The clerk said a complaints box is on display at the courthouse.

The clerk confirmed that, due to the size of the building, a sheltered waiting area for witnesses is lacking, but said both toilets and drinking water are available. The clerk insisted that the court roll gets printed and displayed on the courthouse door, daily. "That is one of my duties. So, I know it gets done every day."

After the Advertiser's enquiries, Cllr Van Heerden, contacted the relevant court personnel in Graaff-Reinet. He relayed that affected members of the public are encouraged to submit formal written complaints to either the courthouse in Aberdeen or Graaff-Reinet. He said a portion of the building can be changed into a waiting area and that the court roll usually gets printed and displayed daily, but this is sometimes impacted by load-shedding or printing problems.

Communication

At the end of a very long day the witnesses were told to go home as their testimony would not be needed. They were told the investigating officer would be in touch about the outcome of the case.

One witness received an SMS that the case had been postponed. None of the other witnesses received any information and are confused. "We thought the case was over. They told us that afternoon the guy pleaded guilty. Now what?"

The clerk explained that the investigating officer or prosecutor ususally communicate with witnesses during the day and said people with babies are normally accommodated.

A third victim (Z), who had to testify in a different case says he got lucky. "I arrived at 09:00. The prosecutor and investigating officer were there, spoke to me and explained everything.

I testified and by 10:30 I was back home and the accused convicted. No waiting, no confusion, no postponements. But I know the waiting and postponement of cases are a huge problem. I just got lucky." Two more witnesses in other cases also confirmed that delays are a problem.

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