In the Northern Cape, high-visibility raids and targeted operations by the multidisciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi task force resulted in five arrests for drug-related offences.

In Kakamas, officers raided three properties in the ZF Mgcawu District, seizing crystal meth, Mandrax tablets and dagga with a combined street value of R18,000. Three men, aged between 37 and 51, were arrested and charged with drug dealing. Meanwhile in Phuthanang, Frances Baard District, a 37-year-old suspect was nabbed following the discovery of drugs worth R42,000 and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. A separate arrest followed in Currey Street, Kimberley, where another individual was caught with illegal substances.

Traffic checkpoints in the Namakwa and Frances Baard areas also saw several individuals fined under the Road Traffic Management Act.

Separately, in Bloemfontein, a suspect linked to a fatal shooting was intercepted and arrested during a Vala Umgodi “way-lay” operation. A 34-year-old Bangladeshi shopkeeper was gunned down at the Best African Shop on Power Street on Saturday evening. The shooter, a 50-year-old Bangladeshi man, allegedly attempted to flee to KwaZulu-Natal but was stopped near Theunissen on the R30. He will appear in court shortly.

Over in Mpumalanga, SAPS continued its clampdown on illicit mining and immigration violations. On 18 May, seven individuals aged 19 to 42 were arrested in Witbank for contravening the Immigration Act after failing to produce valid documents during a routine stop-and-search on the N4 old Pretoria Road.

In a separate sweep in Sabie, six suspects aged 21 to 58 were arrested after officers discovered abandoned illicit mining equipment and dagga worth over R2,000 at Simile informal settlement.

In Limpopo, officers arrested 16 suspects in two separate operations between 16 and 17 May. In Giyani, one individual was caught red-handed at an illegal mining site with a bag of suspected precious minerals, a headlamp, and a shovel. Eleven more were arrested in Malamulele and Giyani for immigration offences. Additionally, in Ga-Chuene Village, Capricorn District, a man was arrested for illegal sand mining after a group attempted to flee a site when officers arrived. A white Nissan truck and six shovels were confiscated. Three further arrests followed in N’wamitwa Village, Mopani District, for immigration-related offences.

According to SAPS leadership across the affected provinces, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to deliver results in its mandate to disrupt criminal networks, specifically within and around mining communities. Whether this momentum can be sustained or expanded remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear the authorities are making their presence felt.

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The operation (23-27 September 2024) brought together Nigerian authorities for a first-of-its-kind inter-agency initiative. Nigerian law enforcement agencies and criminal justice stakeholders working on a broad range of crime areas were involved in the operation, including financial crime and cybercrime as well as drug and human trafficking.

Following two months of preparation, national authorities carried out increased border checks, targeted raids at identified hotspots and followed up on actionable leads over five operational days.  Most arrests were made for cyber-enabled fraud and the vast majority of the detained suspects were under the age of 35, reflecting a trend of greater youth involvement in organized crime.

Among the crimes uncovered, common tactics included ‘romance baiting’, in which criminals cultivate online relationships to manipulate victims into investing or transferring their money; investment and cryptocurrency scams, where perpetrators lure victims in fictitious financial schemes; and celebrity scams, which involve the impersonation of well-known figures to solicit money from fans. Three of the arrests were for sextortion, where the suspects were extorting money from victims to prevent the release of compromising or explicit material.

Notable seizures from the operation included 19kg of cocaine, valued at USD 2.8 million; 51kg of cannabis; five cars; two weapons; and 215 rounds of ammunition. The action days also exposed cases of human trafficking, with the identification of 12 victims who had been lured abroad with promises of work but were instead forced into sexual exploitation or forced labour. The investigation led to the arrest of a female recruiter, who had posed as a victim to evade detection, and the seizure of USD 16,000 from her account.

Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services, said:

“West African Organized Crime Groups are considered to be among the most aggressive and expansionist criminal groups for their involvement in a broad range of illegal activities, from people smuggling, human trafficking, extortion and kidnapping to oil theft, cybercrime and money laundering. The success of this operation underscores the critical importance of sustained, multi-agency collaboration in disrupting these networks. By working together, at a national and international level we can effectively combat this global threat and bring justice to those affected by these crimes.

Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Acting Executive Director of AFRIPOL, said:

“The success of this operation demonstrates the profound impact of coordinated efforts between national and international law enforcement bodies. AFRIPOL is dedicated to fostering partnerships that bridge the gaps in intelligence sharing and operational coordination, ensuring a united front against the complexities of transnational organized crime. This landmark initiative in Nigeria not only strengthens national capacities but also exemplifies the collective resolve of African member states to combat evolving criminal threats. Our close cooperation with INTERPOL was pivotal to the achievements of this operation and we will continue to work closely with our partners to promote security and stability across the continent.”

Reinforcing national capacity to strengthen global security

During the operation, coordinated by INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau and AFRIPOL’s National Liaison Office in Abuja, officers from both INTERPOL and AFRIPOL were deployed to support criminal intelligence analysis, assist operation coordination and to facilitate crosschecks against databases.

The success of this operation was driven by the collaborative efforts among Nigerian law enforcement agencies, justice stakeholders and the partnership between AFRIPOL and INTERPOL. This joint effort demonstrates the results that can be achieved by effective intelligence sharing and coordinated action from all relevant agencies, paving the way for a new era of cooperation.

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Mass killings have wreaked havoc in numerous South African communities in recent months. Along with the devastating murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape province on 28 September, other attacks have taken a heavy toll on human life.

These occurred in places as disparate as Qumbu, Bityi and Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, Bishop Lavis and Atlantis in the Western Cape, Orange Farm in Gauteng province and Orkney in North West province.

We don’t know the exact reasons for each of these incidents. But there can be no doubt that the widespread availability of firearms to those involved in crime makes mass killings more possible and more likely.

These killings are one of many reasons the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), in a new policy brief, is calling for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to develop an integrated strategy to reduce firearm crime. This should ensure clear and measurable reductions in all categories of crime associated with the use of guns.

Mass killings have become an embedded feature of violence in South Africa. The number of people killed in Lusikisiki is slightly higher than the death toll at the Mdlalose Tavern shooting in Soweto in July 2022, when 16 people were killed. In April 2023, 10 family members died in a single shooting incident in Imbali in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal province.

Mass killings have reached unprecedented levels in South Africa since the early 1990s. SAPS data for July-September 2023 showed 125 people killed in incidents with four or more deaths. Recently released data compiled by Gun Free South Africa showed a similar number had been murdered in shootings of four or more people in the past three months.

Firearms are crime enablers and violence multipliers. They make a massive contribution to crime-related deaths, injury and fear in South Africa. Police data indicates that guns were used in 12 000 to 16 000 murders in South Africa over the 2023/24 year. There were also between 17 000 and 20 000 cases of attempted murder, where people sustained non-fatal firearm injuries.

The severity and complexity of many of these injuries place an enormous burden on the healthcare system. Inga Mkoko, who was 25 at the time of the Mdlalose tavern shooting, spent three weeks in intensive care and six months in hospital. He had both legs amputated and lost four fingers.

Notwithstanding the large number of firearm-related deaths and injuries, guns are mostly used to threaten victims without the weapons being fired. Fear of firearms makes them the favoured instrument for coercion in robberies, extortion and some incidents of rape. They also play a major role in taxi violence and violent organised crimes such as extortion and conflict between gangs involved in the illegal drugs or mining trade.

The fact that criminals have the capacity to use equivalent levels of force to the police directly undermines the state’s ability to exercise authority. Virtually all killings of SAPS members are with firearms.

The SAPS must focus on reducing firearm crime. But it cannot do so using its established approach that relies mainly on the recovery of illegal firearms.

A key element is making optimal use of available data. As a starting point, police should use crime statistics to identify the areas where most firearm crime occurs. The recently released ISS policy brief illustrates how this can be done.

The SAPS should be able, quite easily, to map firearm crime. Effective mapping is vital to ensuring that police resources are deployed in a precise way, targeted at the groups involved and places where it’s occurring.

Beyond mapping, the SAPS should invest in strengthening information management systems to synthesise information on firearm crime. This includes crime reports, ballistic data, interviews with suspects, victims and witnesses, and details from sources in the community.

This process, along with crime investigation, should then be used to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of firearm crime. This approach can also dramatically improve our understanding of where guns used in crime are coming from. Tracing the source of these weapons would allow for proactive interventions to close loopholes that enable criminal access to firearms.

Recovery of illegal firearms is not enough. South Africa needs a practical firearm reduction strategy that provides for collaboration between appropriate state, private sector and civil society role players. There is knowledge and experience of firearm crime reduction in South Africa and internationally that SAPS can draw on.

Effective implementation of an integrated firearm crime reduction strategy should be an exercise in learning how a more effective SAPS can work. Without it, gun crime is likely to continue devastating many families and communities.

Read the ISS policy brief ‘Targeting firearm crime will make South Africa safer’ by David Bruce, here.

Republished with permission from ISS Today, the original article can be found here.

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“There has been significant progress in the fight against crime, but concerning senior management appointments and ongoing challenges within the crime intelligence unit threaten to derail these positive efforts. SAPS leadership must decide whether they will contribute to building a better future for South Africa or undermine the country’s progress,” Cameron stated.

After conducting five months of oversight over SAPS and related entities, the committee has identified senior management’s failure to drive necessary reforms as a central issue. This challenge is worsened by the appointment of individuals who are unqualified or unsuitable to lead key strategic interventions needed to combat crime. “While not all senior managers in SAPS are ineffective, the presence of rogue and incompetent officers weakens the stability of the entire organisation,” Cameron added.

A turning point for the SAPS occurred earlier this year with the dismissal of Major-General Mzwandile Tiyo, the head of crime intelligence in the Western Cape, following a comprehensive Section 34 inquiry. Tiyo’s removal was based on serious allegations, including misuse of state resources, kidnapping, and assault. This decision sent a clear message that misconduct, even at the highest levels, would not be tolerated, the committee said.

“However, the recent revocation of Tiyo’s dismissal raises serious concerns about SAPS’ commitment to accountability,” Cameron remarked. “Rather than facing the consequences of his actions, Tiyo is being encouraged to take early retirement—an option prohibited under SAPS National Instruction 3/2017 for employees with pending cases. This decision undermines public trust and damages the morale of ethical officers, as it seems to shield rogue elements from accountability.”

Similarly, the appointment of Major-General Patrick Mbotho as Divisional Commissioner for National Priority Offences within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has further deepened the perception of a culture of impunity within the SAPS.

While the committee acknowledges the actions taken against mainly junior officers, Cameron stressed that reform must apply across all levels of the service, from senior management to rank-and-file officers. “If we are to rebuild trust in SAPS, it is essential that unfit and rogue officers are removed from all ranks. Strengthening this trust will create a better environment to fight crime,” he said.

The committee has also welcomed the reduction in crime statistics for the second quarter, but remains concerned about the continuing wave of violent crime, including the horrific 18 murders in Lusikisiki and ongoing gang violence in Cape Town. These incidents highlight the persistent challenges SAPS faces in addressing crime, compounded by inadequate resources within the detective and crime intelligence units, the committee said.

The crime intelligence unit remains a particular concern, with several issues undermining its effectiveness. “Resistance to reform within the crime intelligence unit is exacerbating the situation. One major-general has allegedly been ‘off sick’ since 2017, repeatedly delaying disciplinary hearings by changing union representatives and failing to submit necessary medical documentation. Another major-general, reportedly a multimillionaire, has been linked to questionable procurement practices involving the secret service fund and allegations of obstructing justice in a cocaine seizure case,” Cameron revealed. “Both individuals appear to be part of a faction resisting reform and seem intent on preserving access to the notorious slush fund.”

Over the past five months, the committee has also raised concerns about the widespread problem of extortion in South Africa, which is having a severe socio-economic impact. This practice hampers critical economic activities, including infrastructure development and the growth of small businesses. The committee will intensify its oversight of this issue, which requires urgent attention and effective countermeasures.

“The ultimate test will be how SAPS management responds to these concerns and whether they can take decisive action to ensure a safe and secure country,” concluded Cameron. “If they can overcome these self-destructive behaviors, SAPS could be on the path to the recovery necessary to effectively combat crime and serve the people of South Africa.”

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SAPS leadership, alongside Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, in November briefed the committee on efforts to enhance the capacity of the SAPS’s specialized units. The committee additionally received updates from both SAPS and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) on current infrastructure projects aimed at improving police station facilities and the security measures in place.

The committee was informed that, due to staffing needs, the police service requires a total of 310 132 officers. This includes 254 248 personnel under the Police Act and 55 884 under the Public Service Act, indicating a substantial shortfall in personnel. Despite the increase of 6 647 police officials between March 2023 and September 2024, the committee expressed concern over the ‘alarming’ number of officers leaving the force. The 2022/23 financial year saw 6 430 exits (3.58% of the workforce), while 6 677 officers left in the 2023/24 year. By the end of September 2024, 3 572 officers had already exited. On average, the SAPS loses approximately 5 300 officers annually, “which poses a serious challenge to both service delivery and retention of skills and experience,” the committee said in a statement.

Noting the concerning statistics, the committee requested a comprehensive analysis of those leaving the SAPS, seeking insights into retention challenges and innovative strategies to prevent officers from leaving for the private sector. The committee further asked for a report detailing the number of officers in various specialised units, particularly comparing units like VIP Protection Services to critical units such as Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences, Cybercrime, and Stock Theft, highlighting potential gaps in manpower.

The committee emphasised the importance of aligning recruitment efforts with the specific needs of various police units, given the evolving nature of crime in South Africa. The committee suggested that the SAPS should prioritize recruitment to fill the skills gaps in specialised units and consider reviewing the retirement age of officers to retain experienced personnel. The committee underscored that maintaining an adequate number of skilled officers is essential to address the country’s crime trends effectively.

Turning to infrastructure issues, the committee expressed ‘grave concern’ over the dilapidated state of many police stations across the country. Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron highlighted the impact of outdated and poorly maintained buildings on police operations. Leaking roofs, cracked walls, broken windows, and faulty plumbing were among the common issues reported at police stations, creating unsafe and uncomfortable working environments for both officers and the public.

“Many stations are overcrowded and ill-equipped to accommodate the current staff numbers or meet the increased demands of public service, which negatively impacts efficiency and productivity,” the committee said.

“The committee stressed that these infrastructure deficiencies not only hinder police operations but also erode public trust. Poorly maintained police stations undermine officers’ morale and create a negative perception of law enforcement within the community.”

Cameron pointed out that addressing the state of infrastructure is not only crucial for the safety and well-being of officers but is also an essential step in rebuilding public confidence in the police service. “Swift and decisive action is required to ensure police stations are fit for purpose and capable of providing the level of service that South Africans expect,” he said.

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The South African delegation at the event included key officials such as Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks); Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing; Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services; Advocate Vusi Pikoli, the Minister’s special advisor; Brigadier Ntime Mokhine, Head of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Pretoria; and other senior SAPS officials.

The assembly brought together police chiefs and senior officials from across the globe to enhance international cooperation in tackling issues like transnational organised crime, cybercrime, counterfeit drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

The South African delegation engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with their international counterparts on the sidelines of the assembly. These meetings were focused on strengthening cooperation and developing operational strategies to address shared challenges in the fight against transnational crime.

During these talks, all parties highlighted the growing threats of narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, and organised criminal networks. They outlined specific areas of collaboration to combat these issues, with the ultimate goal of creating safer, crime-free societies, the SAPS said.

Minister Mchunu also met with Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Enrique Ricardo Lewandowski, and Vice Minister Datony Xu. They discussed key issues such as the importance of real-time intelligence sharing to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and the need to strengthen cybercrime units. Both sides agreed to initiate joint training programs aimed at building expertise in areas like cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cyber intelligence.

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More than 1600 alerts generated in E2 and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system led to 133 vehicles impounded and 50 arrests in the past 12 months.

Masemola told ProtectionWeb more than 1.7-million vehicles were analysed by the system.

He said the collaboration with the PSI (Private Security Industry) and implementation of the E2 Initiative were important to enable the SAPS to use the geographic deployment footprint – guards, patrols, escort vehicles, and air support – of the PSI and to create situational awareness through its control centres.

“The PSI proximity to incidents, crime scenes or crime hotspots could easily provide responsive situational information that would inform and enable the SAPS to appropriately respond to such incidents,” he said.

Masemola added that PSI members were not allowed to actively engage with suspects based on their participation in the E2 Initiative.

“The SAPS entered into a working relationship with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) in 2016. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the National Commissioner of Police and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PSIRA. The purpose of the MoA is to regulate the collaboration between the SAPS and PSIRA in order to enhance coordination between them at a strategic and operational level.”

“In order to maintain and strengthen the working relationship and collaboration between the SAPS and PSIRA, a National Consultative Forum (NCF) consisting of representatives of the SAPS and PSIRA was established and meets on a quarterly basis to exchange knowledge and expertise to support safety and security within the Republic. This agreement is subject to the laws of the Republic and any applicable prescripts of the parties and does not create any extension or amendment of such laws or prescripts.”

“The role of PSI members who participate in the E2 Initiative is limited to the reporting of incidents, activities observed and information to the E2 Operational Centre from where the information is shared with the SAPS,” he said.

However, working with the PSI is not without challenges.  

“Day-to-day challenges for SAPS working with the private security sectors, but not limited to are the wearing of police insignia by private security members; the misusing of private firearms and other materials; branding infringements; and unauthorised security companies that are not registered with Private Security Industry Regulation Authority,” said Masemola.

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Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the recruitment and selection process for the 2024/2025 financial year was finalised.

“The first batch of 4500 trainees will report for training at the various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies on 22 April.”

“The second batch of 5500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025; this process is yet to be finalised.  Applicants are henceforth requested to be patient and await communique from the SAPS.”

For the 2024/2025 recruitment, the SAPS received more than one million applications.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Mathe said the recruitment and selection of suitable candidates who conform to all the basic requirements was of “paramount importance to the continued success of the work and mandate of the SAPS.”

“Final selection is based on merit and the process is free from bias, nepotism, and discrimination. Upon completing the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP), the newly trained Constables will reinforce policing capacity at high-crime stations, detective units and specialised units, such as Public Order Policing  (POPs).”

Three years ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for enhanced police personnel capacity to combat crime.

“This prompted the SAPS to undertake a vigorous national recruitment and selection process known as Project 10000. The SAPS has in the last two years trained and deployed 20 000 police officers to stations and units to bolster policing and efforts to prevent and combat crime,” Mathe said.

The SAPS 2024/25 Annual Performance Plan, tabled three weeks ago, revealed that the force cannot keep up with the country’s growing population

For every 427 South Africans, there is just one police officer.

As the population increased from an estimated 54 million in 2014, to 62 million in 2022, so the actual workforce that was deployed at the frontline to prevent, investigate and combat crime, uphold and enforce the law and protect and secure the people of the country and their property, declined from 152977, in 2014/15, to 140 048, in 2021/22,” the report said.

Government allocated additional funding to the tune of R8.7 billion during 2022/23 to “extend and rejuvenate SAPS’ staff establishment through the recruitment of 12000 additional personnel members.”

“Total expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5.8 percent, from R105.5 billion in 2023/24 to R124.8 billion in 2026/27, mainly to provide for the carry-through costs of the 2023/24 public sector wage agreement, the department is set to receive additional allocations amounting to R22 billion over the next three years.”

“The number of personnel is set to increase from 183708 in 2023/24 to 186538 in 2026/27. This will be done by appointing a targeted 10 000 police trainees in 2024/25 and absorbing them as constables upon their successful completion of training against which the natural attrition of employees should be discounted,” the report said.

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Violent crime in Tafelsig in the Cape Town suburb of Mitchell’s Plain dropped by 20% in SA’s first hot spot policing trial.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), which helped design and facilitate the trial in an area notorious for gangs and violent drug trade, said the decline proved that astutely planned visible law enforcement, in the right place at the right time, can discourage potential offenders and reduce opportunities for crime.

“Hot spot policing involves the strategic use of data to direct police resources to where they have the most impact. It is widely practiced, but seldom properly evaluated.”

“An evidence-based intervention was piloted in Tafelsig in the Cape Town suburb of Mitchell’s Plain. Police recorded 125 murders in Mitchell’s Plain over 12 months in the 2022/23 reporting period used by the South African Police Service (SAPS). That amounts to a rate of about 60 murders per 100 000 people – much higher than the national average of 45,” ISS said.

For just over two months last year, police carried out brief, frequent and unpredictable patrols in a small high-crime part of Tafelsig, concentrating on the days and times when crime was most likely.

“This approach was based on international evidence showing that crime reduces when police first patrol an area, but the impact diminishes if patrols become predictable or less frequent. Optimal effectiveness requires precise time-limited patrols, making it possible to cover more locations,” ISS said.

Cape Town District police commissioner Maj Gen Vincent Beaton said the ISS helped the police to try something new and measure its impact.

“We worked with ISS experts to develop operational plans based on better use of crime data and to target our resources more strategically. The overall effect was to make communities safer.”

ISS said the proven effect of the intervention has prompted further trials.

“This approach to hot spot policing will now be rolled out at four more high-crime police stations in Cape Town to assess if the results can be repeated and scaled up. Also involved in developing and implementing the pilot were the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate and the Western Cape Province’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.”

“This was the first instance in South Africa where we could quantify the impact of a policing intervention with scientific rigour, setting a new standard for evidence-based law enforcement,” said Anine Kriegler, senior researcher on justice and violence prevention at the ISS.

She said hot spot policing drives more efficient data-driven deployment that leaves a lingering deterrent even after the police move on. This is much more effective than random patrols based on convenience and police habits. It also boosts SAPS morale by showing officers that what they are doing is working.”

The ISS has shared lessons from the trial with SAPS station commanders, visible policing units, crime analysts and community safety specialists.

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