Drug case withdrawals alarming
Lead SA, Crime Line as well as civic organisations call for an urgent "audit" of all drug-related arrests.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH: While a staggering 35 422 drug arrests were reported by SAPS and #DrugWatch and over R14-million worth of drugs seized, there remains concern over successful convictions.
An urgent audit of all drug-related arrests has been called by crime watchdogs who’re questioning the criminal justice system’s case withdrawals and convictions, to ascertain the extent of this anomaly.
According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) more than 70 000 drug related cases were withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over the last three years, which is reportedly said to amount to around 2 000 cases a month. The NPA has since disputed the figures.
“This particular issue has been raised with us from scores of interested parties. It appears that despite being arrested, drug dealers resume their activities almost immediately upon release and their cases are rarely followed through to the end,” said Lead SA.
Crime Line and Lead SA have committed to writing a letter requesting urgent intervention on this matter which will be sent to Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
“We want them to report back urgently on how many of the cases arising from the Drug Watch initiative have been finalised or are still pending. If withdrawn, we want a full explanation on why cases have been dismissed. We also want transparency in this matter and immediate action to establish and address the apparent inability of our courts to handle cases of this nature,” Lead SA said.
South African National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) has supported the call for greater transparency within the courts.
“It is discouraging for community members who are sacrificing their lives for a safer South Africa to hear of drug cases being dropped or lack of investigative follow-ups from arrests and tip offs. There needs to be a clear plan of action regarding how the criminal justice system will prevent large numbers of drug cases from being withdrawn,” said NICRO’s Jacques Sibomana.
