Justice ministry wants to boost judges' security after burglary

The justice ministry is discussing ways to boost the security around judicial officials after a burglary at the office of the chief justice‚ the deputy justice minister said on Monday.

Deputy minister John Jeffery said the issue would be discussed by the security cluster of ministers.

• Special team to probe theft at Mogoeng Mogoeng's officeActing national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane has set up a team of detectives to investigate the brazen break-in at Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng's office in the early hours yesterday. 

He said measures may include securing judicial officials as well as the offices in Midrand‚ Johannesburg‚ which were burgled at the weekend.

• Burglary at Mogoeng's office an ‘assault on sanctity of SA institutions': ANCThe ANC has called on law enforcement agencies to “use all resources” to ensure that those involved with a burglary at the Office of the Chief Justice are dealt with “to the full extent of the law.”

“It will depend on a police risk assessment‚” Jeffery said.

He said there was “regular interaction” between police and the office of the chief justice regarding the investigation.

Thieves made off with 15 computers containing sensitive information about Constitutional Court judges and officials on Saturday.

“The type of information that was potentially stored on these computers comprises human resource information of Judges and employees of the OCJ [office of the chief justice‚” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a statement on Monday.

The department said it had been advised not to reveal further information in order not to compromise the police investigation. “As with many other government premises‚ the offices of the OCJ is guarded by a private security company. It is also important to note that government has already started to put in place measures to strengthen security at all critical infrastructure of the State‚” the statement said.

“Parliament is presently seized with the Critical Infrastructure Bill which is aimed at overhauling the National Key Points Act. The Bill has been published for public comment. The intended legislation will ensure that stringent security measures are put in place to enhance security at high-risk premises and infrastructure.”

The ANC and DA have condemned the break-in as an attack on the judiciary. The DA said it would ask questions in parliament about the adequacy of security at the premises.