Africa-Press – Angola. Attorney General Helder Pittra Groz on Monday highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the operating conditions of the agency he heads, despite the country’s financial constraints.
In his inauguration speech for new Deputy Attorneys General and provincial heads, he emphasized that one of the greatest concerns has been ensuring adequate material conditions for the Public Prosecutor’s Office to perform its duties throughout the country.
“This concern includes both physical facilities and technical resources, such as computer equipment, especially in newly created provinces,” he stated. Despite some specific improvements in
infrastructure, he acknowledged that the situation is still far from ideal, stating that greater dynamism is needed to ensure that the needs of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) are addressed in public
investment programs, something that has been hampered by the national economic climate.
He emphasized that the PGR representatives in the new provinces have worked with great sacrifice and dedication, often facing a lack of basic conditions, such as adequate facilities and housing.
However, he emphasized that they are present in their posts and have begun the process of institutionalizing the service.
He also highlighted as a priority the establishment of monthly financial accounts for these provinces, which is already provided for in the General State Budget (OGE), a measure aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of services.
On this occasion, Hélder Pitta Groz highlighted the importance of the principle of hierarchy, emphasizing that authority should not be confused with arrogance, but rather understood as a functional requirement.
“We do not want to impose ourselves through arrogance, but rather to ensure that the public service functions effectively,” he stated.
New Public Magistrates
After being sworn in, the Deputy Attorney General of the Republic and head of the Moxico Leste province, Éder Joaquim José, highlighted the fight against petroleum product smuggling as a priority, due to the province’s extensive border with the Democratic Republics of Congo and Zambia, among other illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the head of the judicial body in Cunene, Carlos André Vungula, highlighted the collaboration with the National Police (PN) and other entities to arrest those involved and recover stolen cattle, a growing situation in the region that is causing concern for small and large-scale farmers.
He noted that approximately 200 animals have already been recovered.
For his part, the Deputy Attorney General of the Republic and head of the Zaire province, Ricardo Fernandes, highlighted the implementation of Law 5/24 of April 23, which allows the return to the State of funds seized in petroleum product smuggling crimes. “More than 200 cases have already been initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for forfeiture in favor of the State,” he reported.
Law 5/24 aims to criminalize conduct that involves the smuggling of petroleum products and related crimes, holding the perpetrators accountable, and establish expedited mechanisms for declaring forfeiture, in favor of the State, of the instruments, products, and other benefits of crime.
This Monday, 24 new public magistrates were sworn in, six of whom are district judges and 18 are Deputy Attorney Generals and provincial judges.
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