Question NW1337 to the Minister of Finance
24 August 2020 - NW1337
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Finance
(1) In light of the reply of the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services to question 478 on 9 June 2020 regarding the number of prosecutions instituted and convictions secured under section 173 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), No 56 of 2003, (a) what support does the National Treasury currently give the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority to and prosecute offences under the MFMA and (b) will he, on his own or in co-operation with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, consider appointing a dedicated team of officials to assist SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to obtain evidence in support of prosecutions under the MFMA?
Reply:
a) The National Treasury provides support and training to both NPA and SAPS with regard to interpretation of MFMA, PFMA and related Treasury regulations through the Office of the Accountant-General (OAG). The support and training provided assistthese law enforcement agencies to develop relevant investigation plans and approaches to their cases. The OAG also provides technical expertise on the legislation and related prescripts.
b) The National Treasury already has the Specialised Audit Services unit which works in collaboration with and gives support to the law enforcement agencies on MFMA cases.