Bail fund mooted for accused who cannot pay, test project likely in Western Cape
There are 2,613 detainees who have been granted bail of less than R1,000 but cannot afford the amount, making them "prisoners of poverty", the inspectorate told MPs on Tuesday.
The correctional services committee heard a pilot project will soon be launched, likely in the Western Cape, to test the functioning of the fund.
The JICS said the fund would benefit only those accused who the courts have determined will stand trial, are not a danger to the public, will not commit further offences while out on bail, will not present a danger to state witnesses and have a fixed address. R emandees accused of certain crimes, for example gender-based violence, are likely to be excluded.
The inspectorate, headed by former constitutional court judge Edwin Cameron, has discussed the project with the department of correctional services, the National Prosecuting Authority, civil society and others in a working meeting to plan a way forward.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
6 hours ago
- The Herald
Three nabbed after armed robbery and rhino killed at Paulpietersburg game reserve
'While busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass,' said Magwaza. He said police were alerted to the incident and responded swiftly. 'Upon their arrival at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush.' said Magwaza. Police seized an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle and a rhino horn. The suspects' vehicle was also seized. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will appear at the Vryheid magistrate's court on Monday. TimesLIVE
The Herald
6 hours ago
- The Herald
Limpopo man arrested for allegedly killing baby girl and injuring mother with pickup van
A 35-year-old Limpopo man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 13-month-old baby girl and the injury of her mother who were run over by a pickup van. Provincial police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the incident happened on Friday at about 8pm. He said the woman and the man — her ex-boyfriend — allegedly had a heated argument while she was waiting with her baby for a taxi to take them to Segopye village, outside Polokwane. 'A taxi arrived and she and her baby boarded. On the way, the taxi driver apparently informed her that a pickup van was following the taxi. 'They [mother and child] alighted at Marothi (Makwalaneng) and her ex-boyfriend allegedly drove over them at high speed,' Ledwaba said. The woman and child were taken to hospital where the little girl died. The mother sustained injuries to her legs. The man is expected to appear in the Makweng magistrate's court on Monday on charges of murder and attempted murder. SowetanLIVE
The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Triple murder, attempted murder allegedly committed by men posing as cops in Philippi East
Serious and violent crime unit detectives are investigating a triple murder and attempted murder allegedly committed by suspects posing as policemen in the early hours of Saturday in Philippi East. Cape Town police said two unknown suspects approached a residence in Hankomo Street, Lower Crossroads, identified themselves as police officers and claimed to be looking for something. The suspects then opened fire on the occupants of the house. 'Two men, aged 19 and 20, and a 20-year-old woman, were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. A fourth victim, a 26-year-old woman, sustained gunshot wounds to her arms and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.' The armed men then fled. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. TimesLIVE
