Question NW2709 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
06 October 2017 - NW2709
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is currently investigating a case of alleged fraud committed by seven individuals who were arrested in Heidelberg, Gauteng, for being in possession of SA Social Security Agency cards of private individuals who were receiving social grants; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date was the case handed to the NPA by the SA Police Services and (b) what (i) is the current status of the investigation and (ii) steps have been taken to date with regard to the investigation; (2) whether the NPA launched any disciplinary action against a certain person (name and details furnished) for allegedly defeating the ends of justice after refusing to prosecute the case of alleged fraud; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The National Director of Public Prosecutions has informed me that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is not investigating this matter. The power to investigate this case resorts with the South African Police Service (SAPS), who are investigating the matter.
The SAPS investigating docket was handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on 3 May 2017 after which guidance was provided to the investigating officer on aspects relating to the investigation after which the docket was returned to the SAPS. The docket has not yet been resubmitted to the NPA as the investigation is yet to be concluded.
2. The SAPS approached the Senior Public Prosecutor with concerns regarding the manner in which the matter was dealt with. The Chief Prosecutor subsequently investigated the allegations and was satisfied that the prosecutors had provided the necessary guidance and had taken the appropriate steps in the circumstances of that matter. The Chief Prosecutor advised that no further steps were warranted.