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What lies behind the decline in commercial crime prosecutions

New research says delays, withdrawals and poor case management are to blame for the poor performance by specialised commercial crime courts

New research by the University of Cape Town has found that withdrawals, repeated postponements and poor case management are major factors behind declining commercial crime prosecutions in South Africa’s specialised commercial crime courts. Illustration: Lisa Nelson

South Africa’s Specialised Commercial Crime Courts have grown from two courts with 20 prosecutors in 1999 to 22 courts with about 300 prosecutors today — yet convictions have fallen sharply.
Researchers found the average case involved less than two accused, about two witnesses, and offences worth under R500,000 – contradicting the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) claim that cases are becoming more complex.
Of the 356 cases studied, 34% were withdrawn and half have been postponed more than 14 times.
The NPA’s Specialised Commercial Crime…

Read More: What lies behind the decline in commercial crime prosecutions.

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