National register of sex offenders established in South Africa, 25 August 2009

Reply by Minister of Justice and Constitutional J Radebe on questions posed in the National Assembly for written reply
25 August 2009

Question no: 661

Ms D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:
Whether the National Register for Sex Offenders, established in terms of section 42 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007, was completed and implemented by the deadline of 30 June 2009; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes, the National Register for Sex Offenders was established and became operational with effect from 30 June 2009. The register will be operationalised in phases. Phase one has commenced.

The National Register for Sex Offenders will record the names and details of all the people who committed sexual offences against a child or a person who is mentally disabled before or after the commencement of this chapter. These will include offences committed in or outside the Republic. It will also include the names of persons whether they are appointed in the public or private sectors.

As from 30 June 2009, court orders are being captured onto the National Register for Sex Offenders as the court orders are made.

Phase two deals with historical convictions and considering the lack of interface automation across departments, some processes are still being conducted manually.

Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
25 August 2009