NPA Seeks Additional R1.2 Billion To Support State Capture Investigations
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is asking for an extra R1.2 billion on top of the R1.1 billion it has been given to investigate and prosecute people involved in state capture.
The National Assembly heard this week from Justice Minister Ronald Lamola on proposals to boost the NPA’s financial and other resources. “The nature and extent of alleged corruption described in the Zondo reports highlights the need for bold and innovative approaches to enhancing capacity and skills of criminal justice entities, including the NPA. These are complex crimes that require sophisticated responses,” Lamola said.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sixteen Injured After Taxi Rolled Down A Slop On R102, KZN
Between 2022 and 2024, the prosecuting authority was given R1.1 billion in the medium-term revenue and spending plan.
According to Lamola, 68 percent of the budget will be used to strengthen the NPA’s anti-corruption capabilities by hiring more aspirant prosecutors and prosecutors in the National Prosecutions Service (NPS), senior state advocates in the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), witness protection unit protectors, and investigators and prosecutors in the Investigating Directorate (ID).
Despite this funding, the NPA has identified an R1.2 billion gap in the MTREF period 2023.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Self-proclaimed Prophet Gets Two Life Sentences For Raping Minors
“The NPA is engaging National Treasury to explore options to appropriately use private donor-funding and in-kind support without undermining its independence.
“Critical to the success of the strategy to address corruption is the appointment of suitable senior counsel to support the prosecution in high level, complex matters. There’s also an increase in the need for expanded witness protection,” said Lamola.
