A collection of 51 distinguished, knowledgeable, learned speakers and attendees converged in Mahikeng Embassy, Mahikeng for the training that took place on 25 and 26 October 2022. In line with the pledges by the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecutions, Dr Makhari-Sekhaolelo during the SAPS / NPA / DPCI Conference in August this year, the training was aimed at building the capacity and forge long lasting and working relations among Prosecutors and Investigators in the province.
In attendance was Brigadier Madoda, Brigadier Ncube, by Advocate Mbadu, Advocate Jika, Advocate Chinyane and other senior managers and employees from the district.
In his address on the first day, Advocate Phuti Sekoadi indicated that the training follows the footsteps and undertakings by the heads of the Entities, He emphasised the importance of cementing the relationship between Prosecutors and Investigators.
Many topics were covered during the training with more emphasis on going back to basics in an endeavour to win the trust of the community. Issues such as slackness and an ineptitude to do the work which lead to dissatisfaction by complainants. “Pride and ego are causing a lot of damage to the services we offer our communities. Our differences should not affect the work, we are colleagues,” said Adv Sekoadi. He made a clarion call for all attendees to treat people with respect and dignity and dockets must always be handled as if the complainant is in front of either the Investigator or the Prosecutor.
In his remarks, Brigadier Madoda reminded the Investigators of National Instruction 13 of 2017 which among others, addresses issues like handling of a docket until it’s at the store room.
Other topics that were presented included Crime Scene Management and Forensic leads, Sexual Offences, Cybercrime and Fraud, Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Asset forfeiture and Photo Identification Parade (Admission and Pointing out).
In wrapping up the training, Advocate Jika and Colonel Olebogeng Moraka expressed their gratitude to the facilitators, presenters and attendees for all their hard work towards the fulfilment of their constitutional mandates and eagerness to take the wheel of justice to a journey of greatness. The attendees were ultimately urged to go back and implement what they have learnt and to plough this seed for a good purpose.
The training will continue at three other districts.