Pretoria – Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha says plans to professionalise the work of Sheriffs are well on track.
Addressing the media in Cape Town prior to presenting his department’s Budget Vote in Parliament, Minister Masutha said efforts to transform the Sheriff profession began three years, following the passing of the Sheriff Amendment Act at the end of 2012.
Last year, a new pledge and code of conduct, as well as new regulation for sheriffs were adopted.
This was followed by the appointment of 11 members to serve on the newly constituted South African Board of Sheriffs. The 11 board members are representative in respect of race, gender and geographical composition, and comprise of six males and five female members from various provinces.
“While the transformation process continues, we are also striving to ensure that we continue to be more effective with the resources at our disposal.
“Together, with other departments in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we continue to build an integrated criminal justice system,” the minister said.
With regard to the National Prosecution Authority, Minister Masutha said it was continuing to improve on its performance targets.
“Our efforts to deal with corruption, which threatens to reverse the gains of our freedom continue to yield positive results,” he said.
The Minister said working together with the Anti-Corruption Task Team, the Asset Forfeiture Unit was able to recover assets valued at R1.717 million. This was deposited into criminal asset recovery account.
Minister Masutha said measures are being put in place to increase the capacity of Special Investigating Unit to reduce its turnaround times to less than six months from the date of a proclamation being granted. – SAnews.gov.za
