Business Against Crime SA on Monday welcomed Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa's announcement on the enactment of the new Second-Hand Goods Act, which was officially launched today. The Act came into effect on April 30.
“This is an important milestone in the fight against property crimes and will play a critical role in stemming the high levels of theft and robberies in the country,” said Graham Wright, CEO of Business Against Crime SA (BACSA).
The Act provides the police with an enabling regulatory framework through which second hand goods dealers and pawnshop owners can be permanently put out of business if found to be involved in the selling of stolen goods.
“This critical piece of legislation will effectively lead to a clean-up of the second-hand goods industry - a goal towards which BACSA has worked tirelessly in partnership with the South African Police Service and industry stakeholders since 1999.”
“The associated penalties, which provide for imprisonment of up to 10 years, are suitably harsh and will be seen as a clear deterrent to those dealers engaged in the selling of stolen goods,” said Wright.
As the Act provides for industry bodies to be accredited, second-hand goods dealers' associations will be able to support the police in monitoring compliance through inspections and self-regulation.
This is also expected to result in close cooperation between compliant industry players and the police, thereby alienating criminal activity.
The Act requires dealers to report suspicious transactions if the seller attempts to provide false particulars, or if the goods are suspected of being stolen or tampered with, ultimately placing greater responsibility on dealers.
“This will improve the identification and recovery of stolen items and the arrest of criminals,” Wright commented.
“The section criminalising the possession of non-ferrous cable with a burnt cover in the absence of a reasonable explanation is also welcomed. The penal clause of imprisonment for a period of up to 10 years in these instances is an important additional deterrent.
“This will further strengthen the hand of law enforcement in dealing with cable theft in the country, which continues to have a serious economic impact on the growth of the economy,” he added. - I-Net Bridge