PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has said the courts must handle cases in a manner that will give the public confidence in the justice system.

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has said the courts must handle cases in a manner that will give the public confidence in the justice system.

Addressing a conference of judges yesterday, Zuma said: "We also need to work harder to deal with the perception that the rights of criminals are prioritised above those of victims, which is an issue of access to justice for victims.

"In this regard, the approach to the granting of bail needs to be examined. Communities see alleged perpetrators arrested and then swiftly released, only to commit further crimes or intimidate witnesses."

Zuma also said transformation should be undertaken without interfering with the principle of judicial independence.

"An independent judiciary is one of the cornerstones of any democracy. As the executive, we respect judicial independence and the rule of law."

Zuma added that the country had to ensure that the poor had access to justice and that the rule of law was central to the struggle for a just society. - Sowetan Reporter