POL1502
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 19 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, POL1502: SECOND SEMESTER COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT
ASSIGNMENT 02
Due Date: 19 September 2025
Question 1
1.1 Discuss the role of law enforcement agencies in the custody and management
of seized property. Use examples from South African law to support your answer.
Law enforcement agencies, particularly the South African Police Service (SAPS), play a
crucial role in ensuring that seized property (exhibits) is properly safeguarded, recorded,
and disposed of in accordance with the law. Once property is seized, it must be entered
in the SAPS 13 register and kept in safe custody until the matter is finalised. According
to National Instruction 8 of 2017, property may be managed in several ways:
Retention for trial purposes: Exhibits are kept until the case is concluded and may be
presented in court as evidence.
Return of lawful property: If a person may lawfully possess the seized property, and it
is not required for evidence, it must be returned to them. For example, if liquor was
seized but the accused pays an admission of guilt fine, the property may be returned.
Forfeiture to the state: If the property is unclaimed within 30 days, or if no lawful
owner can be identified, it is forfeited to the State. Property that cannot benefit the
State may be destroyed.
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 19 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, POL1502: SECOND SEMESTER COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT
ASSIGNMENT 02
Due Date: 19 September 2025
Question 1
1.1 Discuss the role of law enforcement agencies in the custody and management
of seized property. Use examples from South African law to support your answer.
Law enforcement agencies, particularly the South African Police Service (SAPS), play a
crucial role in ensuring that seized property (exhibits) is properly safeguarded, recorded,
and disposed of in accordance with the law. Once property is seized, it must be entered
in the SAPS 13 register and kept in safe custody until the matter is finalised. According
to National Instruction 8 of 2017, property may be managed in several ways:
Retention for trial purposes: Exhibits are kept until the case is concluded and may be
presented in court as evidence.
Return of lawful property: If a person may lawfully possess the seized property, and it
is not required for evidence, it must be returned to them. For example, if liquor was
seized but the accused pays an admission of guilt fine, the property may be returned.
Forfeiture to the state: If the property is unclaimed within 30 days, or if no lawful
owner can be identified, it is forfeited to the State. Property that cannot benefit the
State may be destroyed.
