The Victims of Crime Support Office of the Magistrate's Court says an association of victims of crimes is now fully operational. The body is aimed at safeguarding the interests and welfare of
victims of crime.

This has been disclosed by the victims of crime support officer, Mr. Moejane Mahlaha, who said the association, which was launched earlier this year, is made up mainly of parents whose children have been murdered, some of whom are prominent members of society.

Mr. Mahlaha says this is part of the office's plans to reach out to as many victims of crime as possible this year, adding that plans are in the pipeline to extend the services of both the office and the association to other parts of the country.

He said the office is also on a campaign to sensitise diverse criminal justice system stakeholders on the rights of victims. They include the police, chiefs, prosecutors, lawyers and judicial officers.

The victims of crime support officer, said the office was established in November 2006 following realisation that "victims of crime are merely used as objects or sources of information that could lead to convictions", while perpetrators enjoy the luxury of being informed about their rights, from the time of their arrest.

Mr. Mahlaha noted that victims of crime have no rights no support systems, whereas not only they but their families and community are affected by the impact of crime.


He added that victims need help with understanding police procedures, going to court and being a witness, as well as understanding the whole criminal justice system.

The office provides services such as information on how to obtain redress through formal or informal procedures, and preventing further victimization.

Source: LENA 11/10/2007