Justice takes back about 40 vehicles

During the past 3 weeks the Ministry of Justice and Police (Juspol) has taken back about 40 vehicles that were at private mechanics. Sources told Times of Suriname that several vehicles have been demolished. The ministry has therefore launched an investigation to determine in what state the vehicles were when they were brought to the private mechanics. Minister Ferdinand Welzijn confirmed that an investigation has been launched. He explained that the money that the private mechanics will be paid will depend on the outcome of the investigation. He made it clear that he is not accusing anybody and that he is waiting for the results of the investigation. He pointed out that the cars will be fixed soon so that they can be used in the fight against crime.

The vehicles were reportedly brought to the premises of the Arrest Team where the technical service of the police and the fire department will fix them together. The mechanics will also receive assistance from the National Army, the Prison Guard Force and the technical service of the Paramaribo North East District Commissioner’s Office. The minister pointed out that Anwar Moenne from the Crime Fighting Team North East has made a huge contribution to the project. He pointed out that some vehicles only had minor problems. Some cars simply need a new battery and new tires. He also pointed out that the Bouterse administration spent a lot of money on the purchase of these vehicles several years ago. It is suspected that people did not drive some cars properly which is why they must be repaired. Sources told Times of Suriname that Justice stumbled across these cars when it received high bills from private mechanics. The private mechanics want to be paid for keeping the cars in their storage facilities even though there were no official contracts with them. Minister Welzijn explained that he is discussing the issue with these private mechanics. He made it clear that existing tools must be used effectively and efficiently.