77. Investigation Officer to take action for the protection, preservation, and management of seized or frozen proceeds of crime

When an Investigation Officer forms the view that a restrained or seized property suspected to be proceeds of crime requires to be protected or preserved, he shall either by himself or subject to relevant administrative directions, with the assistance of any other police officer or other public officer, provide necessary protection and necessary steps for the preservation of such property.

Where necessary orders of the Magistrates Court and the High Court shall be obtained for the effective protection, preservation, and management of the restrained, seized or frozen property.

It shall be the duty of an Investigation Officer who seizes a property suspected to be proceeds of crime, pending the obtaining of necessary orders from the High Court, to provide necessary protection to such property and take necessary measures to preserve such property.

Where the Investigation Officer is of the view that it would be necessary to obtain the assistance or services of any public or statutory institution to provide protection or to take steps for the protection or preservation of the seized property, he shall, pending the High Court making an order in terms of this Part of this Act, make an application to the relevant Magistrate’s Court and obtain an order from a