POL1502 Assignment 2 Semester 2 Memo | Due 19 September 2025 • Course • Crime Prevention Principles for Policing IB (POL1502)

[Type the company name]


POL1502
Assignment 2
Semester 2 Memo |
Due 19 September
2025
NO
PLAGIARISM





[Year]

, Exam (elaborations)
POL1502 Assignment 2 Semester 2 Memo |
Due 19 September 2025
Course

 Crime Prevention Principles for Policing IB (POL1502)
 Institution
 University Of South Africa (Unisa)

POL1502 Assignment 2 Semester 2 Memo | Due 19 September 2025. All
questions fully answered.

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.

The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in the Custody and
Management of Seized Property in South Africa
1. Introduction

In South Africa, when property is seized in the course of a criminal investigation, law
enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for
Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks), and specialised bodies like the Asset Forfeiture
Unit (AFU) are tasked with ensuring its safe custody and lawful management. Their role is
guided by statutes such as the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 (CPA) and the Prevention
of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).



2. Law Enforcement’s Duties in Seized Property Management

(a) Custody and Safekeeping

 Once property is seized under a search warrant (s20–23 CPA) or incidental to an arrest,
SAPS must ensure its safekeeping until it is needed as evidence in trial or disposed of
lawfully.
 Example: If SAPS seizes firearms during an investigation, these must be stored securely
in SAP13 (evidence stores) and recorded in the official register.

(b) Proper Recording and Chain of Custody

 All seized items must be logged to ensure a chain of custody, preventing tampering and
preserving evidential value.