Fast-track Courts For 2010 World Cup

The South African government is to set up special fast-track judicial courts to deal quickly with criminal activity committed during the football World Cup next summer.

It is hoped that the system will enable visitors to give evidence while still in the country and therefore act as a deterrent.

A total of 54 courts will operate in the nine World Cup host cities.

The justice ministry says if any foreigners are involved in crimes, as victims or perpetrators, their cases will receive priority.

Since South African President Jacob Zuma took office in May his government has made fighting crime a priority.

‘The experience from previous host countries has shown the influx of foreign nationals in World Cups also potentially increases criminal activities,’ a statement from the justice ministry said.

Spokesman Tlali Tlali added: ‘The courts are here to speed up the process. There is not going to be any leniency.’

The cost of the scheme will be about R1 million and judges, lawyers and volunteers will all receive special training.