Residents of Zwigodini and surrounding areas in Mutale were informed about the activities of the Department of Justice during an event held in the area last Thursday and Friday.

The public participation meeting was organised by the Vhembe District Municipality and different departments gave guidance to the community about their services.

In her address, Adv Suzan Mahada from the Thohoyandou High Court explained the work of the prosecutors, as well as court proceedings.

She also told the residents what happens during the withdrawal of a case. Many people think the withdrawal of a case means the case has been finalised," but the case might be temporarily withdrawn because of a lack of evidence or some other reasons. People must understand that the case can be reinstated when the necessary information is available," said Mahada.

Mahada said it was also important for the community to understand that the lengths of different sentences were guided by the law.

"We also came to make people, especially women, to understand the issue of maintenance. It is the responsibility of both parents to maintain the child,” she added. "Women must understand that they are also responsible for maintenance of the children. Maintenance is about the needs of children and not to punish men," she said.

The community was also advised to respect that every person has a right to be given bail as long as he or she has proved that he or she will be available on the next date of a court hearing.

Mahada also warned that having sex with an underaged girl or boy is a crime, “even if you are in a relationship”.