BAIL FUND SPARKS FEARS

A PLAN to launch a bail fund for bandiete has sparked fear in communities.

Introduced by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), the Bail Fund is designed to help those awaiting trial who have been granted bail, but can’t afford to pay to be released.

Currently, 2 613 detainees were granted bail of less than R1 000 but are unable to pay.

JICS chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said broader public talks was needed before any further steps are taken.

During the session on Tuesday, JICS revealed plans for a pilot project, likely to be launched in the Western Cape, aimed at assessing the operational use of such a fund.

However, individuals charged with certain serious crimes, like gender-based violence, would not benefit from the fund.

The initiative intends to help only those defendants identified by the courts as non-threatening, who have a reliable home address, and pose no risk to public safety or State witnesses while out on bail.

Ramolobeng said that while there is consensus on the need for the fund, committee members are wary of community sentiments towards reintegrating awaiting trial offenders, with many community members concerned about re-offending.

She explained: “During our recent oversight visits to correctional facilities, we [saw] numerous detainees, including juveniles, who had low bail amounts set. Upon inquiry, families often refused to pay even these small sums, believing that the youths stirred trouble in their communities.”