Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA)
18 October 2006
In a significant shot in the arm for crime fighting efforts in this country,
Cabinet has approved the distribution of cash funds totalling R73,8 million, to
specific law enforcement agencies and government departments working with
victims of crime, realised from forfeited assets deposited into the Criminal
Assets Recovery Account (CARA). In addition, a number of assets (motor
vehicles, equipment and property) will be distributed to a number of law
enforcement agencies and government departments.
The Chairperson of the Criminal Assets Recovery Committee, Minister Mabandla
has commended all the law enforcement agencies, especially the Asset Forfeiture
Unit (National Prosecuting Authority) and the newly created Criminal Asset
Recovery Unit (CARU) which was established in September 2005 in the National
Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to manage CARA, for their efforts in ensuring that
perpetrators of crime realise that crime does not pay.
In terms of The Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 1998 (Act No 121
of 1998), the distribution of monies and assets in CARA must be made by
Cabinet, acting on the recommendations of the Committee. Also in terms of the
Act, monies and property in CARA may be used to render financial assistance to,
inter alia:
* law enforcement agencies in order to combat organised crime, money
laundering, criminal gang activities, the financing of terrorist and related
activities, and crime in general
* any other institution, organisation or fund established with the object to
render assistance in any manner to victims of crime
The following law enforcement agencies and departments dealing with victims
of crime were allocated funds from the CARA:
* Department of Social Development � R3,3 million
* South African Revenue Services � R5 million
* South African Police Service - R33,7 million
* National Prosecuting Authority � R31,8 million.
In instances where there is a direct victim of the crime, the proceeds of
the forfeited assets are usually not paid into CARA, but directly to the victim
through a court order. Over R200 million has been paid out directly to victims
in this way. This is the first time that disbursements have been made since the
creation of CARA.
Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: (021) 467 1714
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@justice.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development
17 October 2006
