Last weekend, more than fifteen computers were stolen-that contain sensitive information about the country’s judges.
As yet, no arrests have been made and police are still investigating, according to acting Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
As a result, security for judges has been beefed up.
The Justice Department says it is too early to determine what impact the theft at the offices providing support for the Chief Justice at the weekend had on the judiciary.
The department says the incident does not reflect the integrity and credibility of the judiciary.
Deputy Justice Minister John Jeffrey commented: “The police must be supported in their investigation.
However, we’ve been advised not to divulge any information as that might compromise the investigation. We need to look at improving the security for that particular building. There was security provided by a private security company, but clearly that wasn’t enough and what one needs to look at is how to improve it to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again. This would also include measures to possibly increase the security of judges where necessary.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused State Security Minister David Mhlobo of being behind the incident.
The opposition wants the ministers of police, justice and safety and security be called to parliament to answer questions about the break-in at the Office of the Chief Justice.
DA’s MP Glynnis Breytenbach regards the security breach as suspect.
