FAST - TRACK TRAINING OF PROSECUTORS: R3m FROM USAID

27 October 1999

In 1997, the Department of Justice embarked on a fast-track training of prosecutors programme - which entailed practical training of 100 legally qualified persons not in the service of the Department of Justice as candidate prosecutors. The training progra mme and syllabus - designed by Justice College - proved to be extremely successful and 98 of the candidates were eventually employed by the Department as prosecutors.

Due to the success of these programmes, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development decided that this form of initial training should become the rule rather than the exception. USAID has provided immediate and interim funding for the project t ill April 2000 - from which date an additional appropriation of funds will be made available from the Department's annual budget. The programme provides for both theory and intensive practical training, and includes:

• General Administration in a magistrate's / prosecutor's office functioning of SAP services, with emphasis on reporting and investigation of crimes
• Legal theory and practice
• How to effectively act as a prosecutor in court
• Gender Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness and Social Context Programmes

As prosecutors play such an integral role in the criminal justice system, the Department has committed itself to developing an effective training programme in order to establish an efficient and stable prosecutorial service, which is experienced, adequatel y staffed and representative.

ISSUED BY: SIMON NGOMANE
CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Pretoria
TEL: (012) 315 1731
FAX: (012) 323 3595 / 321 8291
e-mail: sngomane@justice.gov.za