These are some of the recommendations that the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has put forward to strengthen the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a safer South Africa.

“A better, safer South Africa is possible. But this requires that those with authority and the Constitutional mandate to reduce crime recognise the need for urgent measures that can create a trusted SAPS made up of members recognised for their professionalism and integrity.”

Institute for Security Studies.

Gareth Newham, Head of Justice and Violence Prevention at the ISS Pretoria, said at the launch of the report: Strengthening the SAPS for a safer South Africa: Recommendations for police reform on Thursday that a better policing was possible in the country.

“Policing is one of the most difficult jobs you can have in SA given our crime rate, our massive socio-economic challenges is a really complex and difficult endeavour.”

The recommendations took two years to compile.

“Many police members do good work and many criminals end up in prisons as a result. We applaud these successes. Nevertheless, since 2012, we have become increasingly concerned by evidence that SAPS’ organisational performance and policing generally in South Africa are in a state of decline. This means that a far greater impact could have been achieved to reduce crime and improve public safety with the available resources than has been the case for many years.”

“But for a long time, little serious thought has been given to what needs to be done to
strengthen the SAPS. Instead, the common assumption is that the ability of the police to
better tackle crime can be solved largely by adding more resources. Indeed, the SAPS will
have received an additional 30 000 new recruits between 2022/23 and the end of the 2024/25 financial year.”

“We believe that more personnel alone will not prevent the further decline of the SAPS. More personnel can only help if they are highly skilled, resourced, motivated and deployed according to regularly assessed evidence-based strategic and operational plans that target specific networks and groups of criminals. This requires an organisational culture characterised by integrity, innovation, agility, transparency and accountability,” said the ISS.

The ISS recommends that the police minister must provide strategic direction on how to professionalise the SAPS; strengthen SAPS leadership and management and build a more positive and professional police identity.

The implementation will include: The president’s performance agreement with the minister must focus on providing evidence based policy leadership and rigorous oversight to ensure the measurable professionalisation of the SAPS and strengthen the overall policing system. (This includes the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, CPFs, Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, etc.). As an initial, urgent measure, the minister should formally direct the SAPS to prioritise reducing levels of murder, by focusing on firearm crime and violence. The minister’s performance agreement should include improvements in detection rates for violent and firearm-related crimes.

The SAPS national commissioner should urgently create an executive management system based on sound organisational principles aimed at promoting efficiency and effectiveness to ensure effective decision making and accountability.

Serious violent crime must be reduced by focusing on firearm crime and violence; and strengthen crime investigation and rationalise other police capabilities.

“Reducing firearm-related crime should be the initial focus of an SAPS strategy to substantially reduce murder. This does not replace other important priorities, but is a necessary short- to medium-term priority to demonstrably improve public safety and build confidence in the SAPS. To support the strategy, the National Prosecuting Authority should be requested to prioritise the prosecution of firearm violence and other related firearm offences, such as the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.”

“The SAPS should accurately map all crimes linked to the use of firearms. This would enable police responses to be better targeted, perpetrators identified, and sources of illegal firearms disrupted more effectively. Dedicated firearm units with adequate intelligence support should be established in all provinces, with coordination at national level. Their key performance measure must be a reduction in shootings, murders and attempted murders with firearms and all firearm-related crimes.”

Speaking at the launch, national police commissioner Fanie Masemola welcomed the recommendations.

“As organisation we welcome ideas and any contribution by society is welcomed. It is a very large organisation, a very complex one.”

“We are policing a very dynamic and complex contemporary South Africa, which we as the SAPS accept and the power of the dynamics of new people with new challenges that come to our shore. We say together, as South Africans, let’s engage in a discussion on the type of police we want in this country. Let’s move together in that regard.”

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Sarel Petrus Du Plessis was convicted and sentenced to life and an additional 38 years imprisonment for murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition by the Mpumalanga High Court on Tuesday.

On 5 December 2018, Bhekimuzi Anele Ziko, his elder brother and their two friends were walking around Daisa farm in Komatipoort looking for temporary jobs as it was litchi harvest time.

“They continued going in and around with the hope of securing jobs. The accused concluded that they were trespassing and intending to steal litchis from the farm. He then drove towards their direction, stopped the vehicle, and took out his firearm. He started shooting at the victims, one died and three ran away,” said National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

Du Plessis denied the allegations while the court heard evidence from the surviving victims on how the events unfolded on the day.

“Victim impact statements compiled by the deceased’s mother facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena wherein she detailed the pain and trauma caused by the accused in her life were presented. She said the incident left her emotionally and physically traumatised. She was even diagnosed with a chronic illness,” said Nyuswa.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state argued that the accused abused his power as a security manager and killed a defenceless young job seeker. 

“Before handing down the sentence, the Presiding Officer Judge Nelisa  Phiwokazi Mali, highlighted that the sentence must serve as a deterrent to society. She found no reasons justifying deviation from the prescribed ordained sentence.”

“The court ordered the sentence of life to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on other counts. Effectively the accused will serve life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

“The National Prosecuting Authority is satisfied with the sentence and hopes that the deceased’s family will find solace and closure by removing the accused from society,” said Nyuswa.

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Please introduce your company and yourself.

Broom: Armormax has been around now for 19 years. We started as a partnership with International Armoring Corporation from Utah, USA and are now wholly South African owned. We specialise in the up-armouring of civilian vehicles focussed primarily on the premium sector. My background is in several sales and marketing management roles in the motor industry for more than two decades, specialising in the premium and luxury sector.

Louw: SVI is an original equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining and governmental segments. SVI holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland. I am an engineer (M.Sc) and worked on major OEM vehicle programmes both locally and in Europe over a 10-year period. I then entered the media world with a 10-year stint as technical editor at CAR magazine.

Is there currently any South African standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Sadly not.

Louw: On the civilian side (armouring levels including B6 and below) unfortunately not.

Why is this the case?

Broom: Considering the low volume of these vehicles produced, primarily by a small number of specialists in the past it possibly was not necessary. The principles applied by those few were based on international practice, sound engineering and a thorough understanding of ballistics. With the massive growth the market has experienced in the last 6 years, our focus has needed to shift from educating the public on the need for an armoured vehicle to educating potential customers on armouring standards and quality.

Louw: Local civilian armouring volumes, as recent as five years ago, were minimal compared to what it is now. Therefore there was less of a need to educate the public on armouring quality. Today the volumes are considerable (and rising) with more companies competing for a slice of the growing pie. The international full vehicle certification standards are too expensive for most local armouring companies to adhere to. A South African armouring standard will go a long way to ensure the public can make an educated discussion before choosing an armouring company or product.

Is there a global standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Not specifically for the way a vehicle is armoured, but more so on the grades of materials used. These materials are then tested in a laboratory or in field tests and need to conform to a standard. We work according to the EN1063 and EN1522 standard, which measures the ability of the material to withstand ballistic impacts in a pre-determined set of parameters. This in no way guarantees that despite certified materials being used, that they are applied in a manner that provides 100% ballistic integrity, or applied suitably to defeat a certain threat.

Louw: Many international standards only focus on the ballistic properties of the armouring materials. This includes the BR levels commonly used in South Africa as per EN1063 for ballistic glass. This unfortunately does not confirm how well the vehicle is armoured and there may be bad workmanship or even worse, ballistic gaps. There are some standards that involves full vehicle certification like VPAM and NIJ. SVI has recently certified a BMW X3 to level NIJ IIIa at a cost of R2m.

What about the ballistic grading standards, does that not get controlled locally in any way?

Broom: Not currently. Previously South Africa had ballistic testing capability through the SABS. It is however not currently required in our case as we do not source any materials locally, and would be massively expensive to undertake for each and every type of vehicle we build.

Louw: The capability exists to confirm both material and vehicle ballistic standards (Armscor/CSIR) but it is rarely called upon as is not legally needed and very costly. Unfortunately, it allows some armouring companies to get away with sub-standard solutions.

How much of the ballistic grading standards is open to interpretation or what tolerances are acceptable?

Broom: By definition a standard should not be open to interpretation. It either meets the grade or it doesn’t. There simply is no grey area and considering the nature of what we do, there shouldn’t be.  However, if the correctly graded materials are not applied correctly ensuring no ballistic gaps and in a manner that will defeat real-world threats locally, a consumer would not know the difference and has to blindly accept the certificate they are issued to certify it as a B4 or B6 vehicle.

Louw: Ballistic material and vehicle standards are fixed. The problem lies with applying a material standard on a vehicle application as is happening locally. Therefore a vehicle with massive ballistic gaps may still be classed as a B4 or B6 vehicle and the customer would be none the wiser

There are a number of new players in the market that have entered in the last 5 years, is this a threat to your businesses?

Broom: It’s not a threat to our business. We have been thriving long before the market expanded the way it has because we have a zero-compromise approach which will resonate with a consumer that feels the same way about their safety.

It is a threat to the industry however if they produce sub-standard products. Should the unfortunate happen where a consumer loses their life in an armoured car due to sub-standard practices, built in South Africa, it shines a bad light on the entire industry and not just the company involved.

Louw: Yes and No. Yes, if they produce sub-par products as it would give the whole industry a bad name. No, as we welcome new players in the field if they can help lift the industry to a next level from a quality and protection point of view.

What assurance is there to the consumer, that all armoured vehicles in South Africa are being built to the correct standard?

Broom: There isn’t so unfortunately this would require some research from the consumer. The obvious things to ascertain right up front are the amount of experience the armourer has; are they internationally certified to ISO9001 quality management standards; do they have any OEM recognition and certifications and most importantly, are they completely transparent with you about what they do and how they do it?

Louw: Currently none and therefore we urge potential buyers to first vet the company they plan on using. Are they ISO 9001 certified from a quality management point of view? Do they have Armscor clearance? How many fully approved OEM products do they offer as the OEM approval and certification processes do a good job in sifting potential armouring companies.

Do your businesses comply with any other global standard?

Broom: Yes, we are certified with TUV for the ISO9001 Quality Management Standard as well as the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

Louw: Yes, ISO9001 quality management system  and SVI is registered with the National  Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) which is part of the  international Wassenaar arrangement overseeing the sale and export of dual use goods.

What is required to be recognised by an OEM as an armourer of choice?

Broom: The term approved can be a misleading one, and often used incorrectly. An OEM is not a ballistic grading or certification entity and so ‘approved’ may imply that the OEM is the authority on whether you armour vehicles correctly. They can however inspect your management systems, quality control, certifications, build quality, aftersales support, customer experience and real-world results. This would then allow them to recognise, validate or approve you as an armourer of choice. We are recognised and approved by several manufacturers.

Louw: The process varies between manufacturers as SVI has experience in passing the criteria for certain models from:

• Ford
• Toyota
• Mercedes-Benz
• BMW
• UD trucks

It mostly involves a full company audit including a build inspection. It may also include durability testing and a ballistic certification test.

What control or standard is there in terms of technical training or qualifications required for armouring a vehicle?

Broom: Only the basic NQF standards for various functions within the armouring process. 

Louw: Most important is a police clearance for all employees as armouring is part of the security sector. Other qualifications is as per job description in terms of welders, fitters, engineers etc.

What transparency is available to a consumer to be assured of the ballistic quality of their vehicle once armoured.

Broom: This is entirely the responsibility of the armourer. From our perspective, we encourage every potential customer to visit our factory where we demonstrate in depth our materials, our processes, our results and what to expect from an aftersales perspective. Additionally, we encourage them to visit our competitors and ask the same of them so they can make an informed decision.

Louw: SVI invites all its potential clients to visit our facility for a factory tour to see the manner in which the vehicles are armoured. All the related certificates are available for the material used in armouring a specific vehicle. If the vehicle is part of our OEM approved products, then further certification is available.

To form a regulatory body, what would be required?

Broom: It has to be formed independently of the role players to ensure objectivity and credibility. It would be suggested that role players provide input on what the standards should be and how they are measured, and implemented in a way that is achievable and realistic financially and in practice.

Louw: It would require bodies like Armscor and the CSIR that are experts in the field of ballistic protection to join hands with the leading armouring companies to form a standard that is relatively simple cost effective and possible to assess in a short timeframe to start. The level of the standard can be increased with time as lessons learned gets implemented.

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Members of the Limpopo South African Police Service Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task Team and Capricorn District Flying Squad received a tip-off that two vehicles were going to be smuggled out of the country via the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the team swiftly responded, and two vehicles, a grey Toyota Fortuner 2.8 and a white Toyota Hilux Gd6 double cab, were spotted along the R71 from Boyne, in Mankweng policing area towards the direction of Polokwane.

“The members stopped the two vehicles and upon searching them, the drivers failed to produce the valid documents of the vehicles. Both vehicles were fitted with false registration number plates and false license discs. The suspects were immediately arrested.”

Preliminary police investigations revealed that the Toyota Fortuner valued at R900000 was reported stolen at Muldersdrift, in Gauteng on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Hilux double cab valued at R700000 was reported stolen in Brooklyn Pretoria also on Saturday.

“The two suspects, aged 33 and 32, were arrested for possession of presumed stolen motor vehicles,” said Ledwaba.

The pair were expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

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Johan van Wyk believes AI is of great benefit, but it is not a silver bullet – yet.

Speaking at Securex 2024, Van Wyk, the sales and marketing director at FANG Fences and Guards, said as things stand now, AI while powerful and capable of handling numerous tasks, lacks the human elements of intuition, judgment, and emotional intelligence, often referred to as “Humics.”

Therefore, the security sector must develop systems that integrate AI and human oversight.

“Human – AI collaboration is fast becoming inevitable today and most definitely inevitable in the near future. Certain (normally mundane) tasks can be leveraged via AI for the type of tasks it’s best suited like data analysis (many verticals pertaining to this), real-time monitoring, pattern recognition while leaving complex decision-making and interpersonal interactions to humans. This ensures the strengths of both are utilised effectively,” said Van Wyk.

He said AI fast became a buzzword in the last two years, but unfortunately AI can be overused and overemphasised from an electronic security solutions point of view.

“AI must be considered as a solution, and only be implemented when it makes sense to do so, and the only way to know of AI will address a client’s needs is by means of a proper, and detailed risk assessment. AI cannot, and should not be used as a blanket, general solution, it must always be logical to implement as part of an integrated, and most likely turnkey electronic security solution to address the identified risk.”

Van Wyk said to ensure AI can still work effectively in the security sector, a combination of strategies should be considered like:

• Ensuring AI systems are transparent, and that their decision-making processes are understandable to human operators. This builds trust and enables better oversight.
• Develop security systems that integrate both AI and human oversight. For instance, AI can flag potential security incidents for human review, ensuring critical decisions are made by experienced professionals like in the case of an offsite video monitoring control room where analytical AI software is a crucial part of raising and then identifying an “alarm”, but a human is still required to make final decisions on action to be taken, for example dispatching armed response or notifying the police (or not dispatching is equally important).
• Continuously training security personnel to work with AI tools. This includes understanding AI capabilities (and potential shortcomings), interpreting its outputs, and making informed decisions based on AI-generated data.
• Regularly conduct drills and simulations that involve AI and human teams working together. This helps identify potential gaps and areas for improvement in both technology and human response.
• Ensuring that AI systems comply with industry standards and regulations. This includes data privacy, security protocols, and ethical guidelines, providing a framework within which AI operates safely and effectively. All humans should be mindful of, and work towards the ethical use of AI, especially the developers and users of AI.

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Darryl Franks is the engineering development manager and with his father Hilton, a well-known personality in the industry, are up – armouring all types of vehicles from small cars, to SUVs and trucks (military vehicles excluded).

The Company started after Darryl qualified as an engineer from the University of Pretoria to extend the services of the family business to include the use of armoured glass in civilian vehicles.

The idea, says Darryl, was to “provide protection from the Emperor and his family to the everyday person with a small business”.

This is based on the passion to protect the lives of people by providing innovative practical value for money solutions that cover a multitude of client requirements.

“The Ethos of the Company is to place protection first “LIFE IS VALUABLE”.

We have a comprehensive approach where SABRV handles the full design process from crafting the opaque armoured panels for doors roofs and floors to forming the transparent armour to fit almost every vehicle making it closely indistinguishable from the original.

Hilton Franks

Some innovation was required as the Company was receiving requests to come up with new solutions. This necessitated the introduction of their proprietary, ClippInn armour an easy install, removable and re-usable product. Minimal changes are made to a vehicle which can be returned to its original state.

Secugard armour is for security companies which is visible on the sides with curved windows front and back for mines and other security applications.

Covertex concealed armouring  is for special operations and reaction vehicles.

Execulux is for VIP discreet protected vehicles.

This service required a “Single Responsibility” value option for customers from manufacture to the completed product under one roof.

The complex customised engineering of designs for each type of vehicle and machined parts are created in-house including bespoke CNC laser cutting and the specialised forming of the glass to all shapes for almost all vehicle models.

Hilton Franks said it’s a comprehensive approach where the company handles the entire design process, from crafting transparent armour to machining opaque armored panels for doors, roofs, and floors.

The Company has its own R&D facility to test its products in an approved ballistic range to ensure ballistic specifications and best practices are used. All levels of protection are supplied from handguns to high power rifles and more.

SA Bullet has developed bullet-resistant glass that boasts a remarkable 40% to 50% reduction in weight and thickness compared to traditional laminates of similar strength. This innovation not only enhances security but also ensures a discreet appearance for the product less wear and tear on a vehicle and more carrying capacity.

SABRV also offers Resistoshield, a proprietary product designed to safeguard doors and other opaque areas of the vehicle, such as the footwell and bonnet. With these innovative offerings, the Company continues to set the standard for vehicle security solutions.

“We have the security needs for every pocket. Our motto is “some security is better than none” Life is valuable”

Hilton Franks.

As SABRG continues to evolve and innovate while investing in new equipment and premises, it remains committed to its core values of integrity, respect, and customer satisfaction.  The Company will use green products in its manufacturing to protect the environment and believes in repurposing of waste materials and the use of environment friendly products. With its integrated approach and unwavering dedication to security, Franks and his son are poised to lead the industry for years to come.

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Currently, the unit boasts a dozen active K9s trained in detecting narcotics, explosives, and trailing dogs used in the search for missing persons. The new recruits are undergoing rigorous basic training and bonding with their handlers. Among them are Tina, a two-year-old German Shepherd; Gizmo and Djenko, both 14-month-old Belgian Malinois; and Magnum, a 16-month-old Malinois/German Shepherd cross.

“It really is something to watch our K9s in action. They have added so much value to our fight against crime, and the drug trade in particular, over the past 15 years, and I look forward to seeing how the new recruits acquit themselves. They have big paws to fill, when you consider the likes of Savage, Troy and Xena, who were just a few of the legendary K9s in our kennels over the years.”

“But apart from their crime-fighting abilities, these dogs are among the best brand ambassadors that one can find, and building relationships between the enforcement services, and communities,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In the ongoing efforts to stem the narcotics trade, Metro Police has reported a significant uptick in drug seizures for the financial year spanning July 2023 to March 2024. There were more than 9000 drug-related arrests and over 69000 units of drugs confiscated in the 2023/2024 period.

Mandrax, tik, dagga, and heroin remain among the most commonly confiscated narcotics.

“These successes are largely thanks to routine visible patrols, tips from the public and of course our intrepid K9s who help expose the very creative hiding places of drug dealers. But, while the numbers are impressive, the city’s role in cutting down to size the drug trade remains limited.”

“All arrests and confiscations are handed over to South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation and prosecution. The city doesn’t have the powers to go after the big fish, and dismantle drug routes. We are hopeful that SAPS will be properly resourced to deal with this scourge, and will continue to support them in any way possible,” said Smith.

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National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng division spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the charges relate to Standard Bank’s Social Corporate Investment Programme, which Masuku allegedly used to award bursaries to family and friends.

“The alleged offenses were committed during her tenure as Head of Standard Bank’s Social Corporate Investments Programme, prior to her appointment at the IEC. She allegedly transferred a sum of R800,000 to a second individual implicated in the case.”

“Furthermore,the state alleges that she illicitly awarded bursaries worth R400 000 to ineligible recipients, including family members and friends,” said Mjonondwane.

The matter was adjourned to 4 September to allow the state sufficient time to apprehend the outstanding suspect.

“The accused was released on R20000 bail,” said Mjonondwane.

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Police intelligence led officers to three individuals, aged between 31 and 45, who were allegedly caught red-handed.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said one of the men was a Congolese national, believed to be the mastermind behind the illegal mining operations in and around the Atok region.

“In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, a swift response by a multidisciplinary team, including units from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the National Intervention Unit under Operation Vala Umgodi, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious illicit mining kingpin in the Atok area along the R37 road, within the Apel policing precinct.“

“Acting on actionable intelligence, the team swiftly mobilised and intercepted illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of three individuals.”

The team seized a white and blue Scania horse and trailer truck loaded with chrome, Tractor-Loader-Backhoe, a maroon Toyota Yaris, and a white Ford Ranger.

“The arrested suspects are set to appear before the Apel Magistrate’s Court in due course,” said Ledwaba.

Illegal chrome mining is rife in Atok, where illicit miners return even when shafts are closed by the frustrated community.

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