The green court’s future hangs in the balance

The future of South Africa's first environmental court hangs in the balance as Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla considers a proposal to close it down. The so-called Green Court was established in Hermanus three years ago to counter the rape of the country's marine resources. According to reports the court had an 85 percent conviction success rate last year. South Africa has lost an estimated three-billion rand to marine poaching in the last few years. Regional head of justice in the Western Cape, Hishaam Mohamed, has confirmed that the green court may close, saying it’s one of six proposals before the ministry. Sources say the current justice ministry does not favour specialist courts.