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CHRISTIAN
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CHRISTIAN
NEWS |
BUSINESS AGAINST CRIME (BAC) MINISTERS TO JUSTICE
The idea that BAC is only about Auto Guards and Surveillance cameras in Central is about to change.
Minister of Justice, Dr Penuell Maduna and the Minister of Safety and Security, Mr Steve Tshwete, will be in PE on August 17th 2001 for the opening of BAC's Integrated Justice System Court Centre. The first of its kind in the country - proof that BAC in PE is making a difference.
MD of BAC, Mr Kevin Hustler - born in PE, educated at Grey before obtaining a BSc Quantity Surveying at UPE, says making a difference is what interests him.
BAC's successful pilot project for awaiting trial prisoners in 1999 saved the taxpayer R2m and was the incentive for the National Integrated Justice System Board to identify the Eastern Cape for another similar project - the Integrated Justice System Court Centre.
The aim is to streamline the justice system to make it more productive.
As one of the courts with the most cases, the backlog needed urgent attention. The solution was to integrate the Justice, Police and Correctional Services Departments.
The Centre prepares dockets for trials and bail applications and oversees reception and channeling of prisoners. From the moment of arrest the Centre is involved - the prisoner interviewed, previous convictions checked and bail qualifications assessed. The docket then goes to the Justice Division where a Prosecuter ensures that it is ready for prosecution and after the first appearance it is returned to the Centre where it remains until the case is fully investigated and ready for trial.
A speedy trial is ensured because the system ensures that the investigating officer is in court and that the docket is safe and ensures open channels of communication between departments.
The Centre, running since last year used existing human and logistical resources without needing an extra budget.
Mr Pieter van Straaten - a former policeman, is the Project Manager.
(PE Express - 25 July 2001)
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