Regional courts clear only 9% more criminal cases than new inflows, according to annual reports

By Simon Nare

South Africa’s judiciary fell short of key performance targets in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, with regional courts achieving only a 9% criminal case clearance rate and several divisions recording declines in disposed cases and court hours, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has said.

Presenting the combined annual reports on Tuesday, which were delayed in part by the leadership transition from former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Maya said the judiciary had delivered on its constitutional mandate despite severe resource constraints, such as courtroom shortages, faulty recording equipment, power cuts, natural disasters and adverse weather.

Superior courts collectively achieved 71% compliance with reserved judgment delivery within three months, exceeding the 70% target, while district courts finalised 94% of criminal cases and maintenance matters within 90 days. Child justice preliminary inquiries reached 84% finalisation in monitored courts.

The Supreme Court of Appeal resolved 72% of cases, the Labour Appeal