MEETING BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF PACAD AND DEPT OF JUSTICE

Issued by: Department of Justice

Representatives from the communities of Lenasia and Laudium, including delegates of organisations such as the "People Against Crime and Drugs" (PACAD), the Concerned Parents Association as well as members from other community organisations, met on 2 September 1996 with officials from the Department of Justice in Pretoria, to discuss the serious crime situation in, inter alia, Laudium and Lenasia.

The discussion was considered as positive by both sides in that it is fostering greater interaction and communication between the community and the criminal justice structures.

PACAD and the other community organisations placed before the Department examples of what they perceive to be problem areas in the criminal justice system, such as corruption within the police force, too easy granting of bail, lenient sentences and withdrawal of cases involving drug trafficking. PACAD and the community organisations, however, stressed their commitment to work within the system with the police and the courts.

The Department from its side informed the members of the community organisations and PACAD of initiatives, including legislation, by the Ministry and the Department of Justice to curb crime and in particular drug trafficking.

It was resolved that the following short term measures would be urgently considered.

• The Department of Justice should facilitate the setting-up of meetings with, inter alia, the Chief Magistrates of Pretoria and Johannesburg and senior officials of the South African Police Services;
• PACAD and the other community organisations should furnish information relating to crime and criminals to the Department of Justice to be investigated further; and
• the Department should facilitate discussions with all the relevant instances to promote better communication of reasons for bail, sentencing and the withdrawal of cases to the community.

It was also resolved that further contact between the respective parties will continue.

ISSUED BY THE CHIEF LIAISON OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRETORIA 3 SEPTEMBER 1996

Enq: Adv P A du Rand Tel: 0826518527 Fax: 012-218291