Bail fund mooted for accused who cannot pay, test project likely in Western Cape
The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) is working on a proposed bail fund for deserving remand detainees who have been granted bail but cannot afford to pay it.
There are 2,613 detainees who have been granted bail of less than R1,000 but cannot afford the amount, making them "prisoners of poverty", the inspectorate told MPs on Tuesday.
The correctional services committee heard a pilot project will soon be launched, likely in the Western Cape, to test the functioning of the fund.
The JICS said the fund would benefit only those accused who the courts have determined will stand trial, are not a danger to the public, will not commit further offences while out on bail, will not present a danger to state witnesses and have a fixed address. R emandees accused of certain crimes, for example gender-based violence, are likely to be excluded.
The inspectorate, headed by former constitutional court judge Edwin Cameron, has discussed the project with the department of correctional services, the National Prosecuting Authority, civil society and others in a working meeting to plan a way forward.
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