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R74m boost for crime fighters
18/10/2006 21:25 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Cabinet has approved the distribution of R73.8m from the Criminal Assets Recovery Fund (CARA) to law enforcement agencies and government departments working with victims of crime, the ministry for justice and constitutional development said on Wednesday.
"In addition, a number of assets (motor vehicles, equipment and property) will be distributed to a number of law enforcement agencies and government departments," said spokesperson Zolile Nqayi.
The allocation of funds from CARA was R3.3m to the department of social welfare; R5m to South African Revenue Services; R33.7m to the South African Police Service and R31.8m to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Both CARA and the newly created Criminal Asset Forfeiture Unit (CARU) managed by the NPA were established to ensure "that perpetrators of crime realise that crime does not pay," said Nqayi.
In terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act the distribution of monies and assets in CARA must be made by cabinet. Further, these may be used to financially assist law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime, money laundering, criminal gang activities, the financing of terrorist and related activities and crime in general.
CARA funds could also be used to assist "any other institution, organisation or fund established with the object to render assistance in any manner of crime," he said.
When there is a direct victim of crime, the proceeds of the forfeited assets are not usually paid into CARA, but directly to the victim through a court order.
"Over R200m has been paid out directly to victims in this way," said Nqayi.
This is the first time such allocations of funds and vehicles forfeited by criminals have been made since the creation of CARA.
- SAPA
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