The South African Revenue Service (SARS) said its Durban Customs office conducted a collaborative intelligence operation in the early morning of 12 October, leading to the seizure from a refrigeration unit of the vessel.

A Customs marine unit patrol vessel was used to intercept a vessel near the Fairway Bouy at Outer Anchorage about 4 nautical miles of the East Coast of Durban. The Enforcement Team intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted the vessel to its berth. The Enforcement Team Boarded the vessel, interviewed the Master, and examined documentation to identify the location of a profiled container.

The container was located and resulted in one positive detection of bricks of suspected narcotics, SARS said in a statement.

The drugs were handed over to the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for further investigation, prosecution and destruction.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter expressed his gratitude to the SARS Customs and other law enforcement agencies for their work. Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and in the dead of night, he said. “This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals that are bent on shipping harmful substance that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants.”

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In a joint statement issued on Friday 26 September, SARS and the OTO responded to a recent Sowetan article highlighting an increase in cybercriminals targeting taxpayer profiles and resulting in financial losses.

The institutions noted that at the time of publication, the OTO’s draft report had not yet been released for public comment and that the article contained “a number of factual inaccuracies.”

The organisations emphasised their distinct but complementary roles in South Africa’s tax administration. They are established in law to fulfil distinct yet mutually reinforcing roles for the sole benefit of taxpayers and the tax finance system for the country.

“SARS not only respects but considers the role of the OTO as an indispensable partner to ensure the functioning of the tax ecosystem is fair and beyond reproach. In this regard SARS has and continues to work hard to address whatever complaints that have been laid with the OTO,” the statement read.

The statement also emphasised that the two institutions play a paramount role in the functioning of tax administration. Each institution respects the other’s mandate, while both being the cornerstone for the fiscal integrity of South Africa tax ecosystem.

The OTO will release its draft report on 1 October 2025, following extensive engagement with all stakeholders.

Rising cybercrime risks

The OTO has been investigating compromised taxpayer profiles for more than a year, after receiving numerous complaints from both individuals and tax practitioners.

“In today’s digitally interconnected environment, cybersecurity risks have escalated dramatically, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and institutions.

“As personal and financial transactions increasingly migrate online, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in authentication protocols, data-sharing mechanisms, and user behaviour to perpetrate identity theft, fraud, and unauthorised system access. Even routine activities, such as accessing tax platforms or updating banking details, have become potential gateways for exploitation,” the statement said.

It added that SARS, as the custodian of revenue collection and refunds payment, is a prime target for cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in online systems.

Cooperation and security measures

SARS and the OTO stressed that they maintain a cooperative relationship, with a shared goal of restoring public confidence in the eFiling system.

SARS said it continues to enhance security protocols to mitigate risks and urged taxpayers to remain vigilant by safeguarding login details and reporting suspicious activity through official channels.

“The release of the OTO’s draft report has been delayed allowing SARS to provide detailed input on preliminary findings, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced analysis.

“Whilst consultations have been extensive between the parties, parts of the draft may still carry areas of difference, which is to be expected in any review of this nature. This cooperative approach aims to strengthen the report’s recommendations and foster meaningful improvements,” the statement added.

Commitment to taxpayers

Both SARS and the OTO reiterated their unwavering commitment to enabling taxpayers to comply with their obligations safely and confidently.

The institutions urged taxpayers to remain cautious and report any irregularities through official SARS channels.

“We respect that the final report by the OTO will be made public soon, and SARS remain committed to continue its engagement with the public on its substance. The public must be assured though, that SARS continue to work with diligence to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection to taxpayers who uses the SARS digital platform,” SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said.

The Tax Ombud added that OTO takes the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles very seriously.

“As an independent institution, the OTO ensures objective oversight and the fair treatment of taxpayers. The OTO upcoming draft report reflects extensive engagement with all stakeholders and is aimed at driving real, practical solutions,” OTO said.

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According to Craig Rosewarne, Cyber-Security Expert and Managing Director of Wolfpack Information Risk, the cyber threat landscape in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach. He explains that companies, governments, and vulnerable communities face different but interlinked risks. Companies are increasingly being held accountable for their third-party suppliers’ cyber-security standards, with large enterprises requiring compliance with ISO 27001 certification. South African banks, for example, have emulated the likes of Nigeria by setting high cyber-security thresholds before granting licenses to financial institutions. Yet, public institutions and local communities continue to be ideal destinations for cyber-terrorists due to the minimal nature of their IT investments, coupled with general lack of cyber awareness.

The government response to the situation is driven by Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). Tlangelani Manganyi, Media Relations Officer at DCDT, outlined key developments in South Africa’s National Cyber-security Strategy. Guided by the National Cyber-security Policy Framework (NCPF) of 2015, multiple agencies like the Cyber-security Hub and the ECS-CSIRT under the State Security Agency (SSA) are operational. While the Cyber-security Hub focuses on public engagement and education, ECS-CSIRT manages incident response and threat intelligence. The Cybercrimes Act, 2020, operationalised on December 1, 2021, further promotes this legislative framework insofar as consolidating cybercrime laws and thus introducing new offenses dealing specifically with the manipulation of data, digital messaging, and the abuse of networks.

Phetolo Phatsibi is a Media Relations Practitioner at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and spoke highly of the role technology played in the country’s strategy in cyber-security. The CSIR’s Information & Cyber Security Centre has designed a Cyber Early Warning System, which is an inexpensive device aimed at detection and prevention in the early stages of such cyber-attacks.

“Secondly, the Virtual Security Operations Centre under the same ICSC offers technical assistance and incident response to both the private and public sectors.

“The partnerships with the SMMEs form part of the bigger strategy by South Africa to enhance local cyber security capabilities and reduce overdependence on imported solutions,” Phatsibi said.

In the case of the financial sector, the stakes are higher. According to Ntshiki Maluleka, the Head of Media and Communications at the South African Banking Risk Information Centre, digital banking fraud is on the rise, with schemes like phishing and “Facebook fraud” causing significant losses for South African banks. Enhanced transaction monitoring systems have been implemented to detect unusual activity, and consumer awareness campaigns have been launched

to educate users about safe banking practices. However, Maluleka is the first to admit that consumer confidence has taken a hit, especially with social media platforms becoming a breeding ground for fraudulent schemes.

Private sector businesses are equally at risk from cyber threats. For instance, Gift Chawasarira, the Chief Financial Officer at National Funeral Undertakers Investment Company-NAFUICO, narrates how phishing scams and hacking into accounts have inflated the operating costs of his organization. Against these threats, NAFUICO has implemented general IT controls like access restrictions, encrypted devices, and system audits. Recently, the company hired a Chief Technology Officer to consolidate its cyber security policies and decrease dependence on external consultants. According to Chawasarira, the costs of cyber security disproportionately affect smaller firms, which have limited resources to manage advanced threats.

The Cybersecurity Hub has played a critical role in terms of public education; and it is led by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies which provides a number of the Ministry’s initiatives to gain in building cyber security awareness amongst the citizens. Amongst these interventions included the development of a Cybersecurity Schools Toolkit for teachers, parents, and learners according to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies Spokesperson, Kwena Moloto. This initiative aims at equipping young South Africans with the knowledge to identify and mitigate online threats. Further, the Hub launched a Cybersecurity Toolkit for SMMEs, in collaboration with the Information Regulator. This provides hands-on guidelines on securing business systems, training staff, and responding to cyber incidents.

The private sector response to South Africa’s cyber security crisis has been dynamic and multi-pronged. Companies are investing in sophisticated technologies such as AI-powered threat detection, biometric verification, and data encryption tools. Rosewarne further emphasised that training and awareness programs are very important, and Wolfpack Information Risk has provided cyber security training to a number of South African financial institutions and also some regional banks across Africa.

“Awareness is key to combating cybercrime,” said Rosewarne.

He further commented that vulnerable communities, in particular, such as NGOs and schools, are easily targeted as they usually lack the IT capacity to defend themselves. Wolfpack supports such communities with pro bono services and educational resources-including the book “Cyber Crime Self Defense”-which informs the public about the many different types of online scams and how to protect oneself.

Financially, cybercrime is seriously affecting the economy of South Africa. It has been estimated by the CSIR to cost R2.2 billion annually. A TransUnion 2024 analysis of suspected digital fraud rates in 19 countries found that South Africa ranked eighth, with 4.9% of all online transactions suspected of being fraudulent. The worst-hit sectors were in telecommunications, financial services, and online communities. Synthetic identity fraud, where fraudsters create identity using real personal information, has increased by 153% over the past year. In addition, SIM-swap fraud and phishing scams are becoming increasingly worrisome; phishing alone cost South Africans R200 million in 2023 — a 50% increase from 2022, according to SABRIC.

Fraud in public institutions has also exposed South Africa’s cyber security gaps. SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs incidents have recently shown just how vulnerable these kinds of organisations are to data breaches. Government systems, which can sometimes house a great deal of sensitive data, are, according to Rosewarne, being targeted in ransom-ware attacks. He said,

“It is an emerging threat, not only in the private sector but also in the public sector. The government is under immense pressure to protect the critical information infrastructure, as these kinds of attacks are growing in frequency and sophistication,” said Rosewarne.

Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, some measures have been put in place to improve the cyber security framework in South Africa. These include:

Legislative measures

In June 2021, the President signed the Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Act into law. The new law brings in additional breach reporting requirements for organizations, as the country attempts to match global standards in cyber security.

National cyber security strategy

It has adopted a national cyber strategy and created a military Cyber Command, but for many years, competing priorities have rivaled it for the top spot: corruption, poverty, and racial injustice.

Challenges and expert opinion

Yet despite these initiatives, experts identify persistent shortcomings. In a report, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace describes the cyber strategy under Ramaphosa as “limited progress” and a “low priority”. The report suggests that foundational steps have been taken, but much more comprehensive and prioritised efforts are necessary to effectively address cyber security threats.

Furthermore, the country lacks cyber security experts, which hinders its efforts in effectively combating cyber threats.

The bottom line is that while the administration led by President Ramaphosa has taken crucial legislative and strategic steps toward ensuring cyber security, according to experts, more prioritisation and resources are needed to pump in if it is to meet the changing face of cyber threats head-on.

Looking ahead, proactive measures, collaboration, and capacity-building will define South Africa’s future on cyber-security. More comprehensive training will be rolled out by the government for law enforcement, South African Revenue Services (SARS), and other key stakeholders in a much-needed capacity-building exercise. International support from countries like the UK is anticipated to boost these efforts. Meanwhile, industry players are preparing for possible regulatory changes that would impose stricter cyber security standards, similar to those implemented in Kenya and Nigeria.

As cybercrime evolves; so must South Africa’s swift response. Strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing education and training, and leveraging homegrown cyber security technologies will be essential. It is a battle that requires collective effort and investment sustained over time, but this commitment to the safeguarding of its digital future finds expression in the initiatives that are underway from its government, financial sector, private enterprises, and

cyber security experts. These actors continue to be guardians of the digital age and have to adapt continuously to innovative methods of protecting South Africa’s critical infrastructure against ever-evolving cyber threats.

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In the Vhembe District, coordinated operations by the MAJOC Roving Team, in collaboration with the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, targeted illicit trade in the Mphephu and Musina policing precincts. This operation led to the seizure of counterfeit goods and other illegal merchandise worth R6,694,227. In Musina, a high-speed car chase resulted in the interception of two BMW sedans suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes. After the occupants fled, police discovered several boxes of illegal cigarettes in the abandoned vehicles, valued at R729,891. Both vehicles were confiscated as part of the investigation.

On 17 January 2025, operations at shops in Mphephu led to the seizure of counterfeit cosmetics worth R154,030 and illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R1,726. The following day, in Musina town, operations at 10 shops uncovered counterfeit clothing valued at R6,222,435 and counterfeit cosmetics worth R119,675, bringing the total for the day to R6,342,110.

On 18 January 2025, the coordinated efforts of SAPS and SARS Customs led to the arrest of a 44-year-old foreign national for smuggling illicit cigarettes at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The suspect, driving a white truck with a tanker trailer, was stopped by police, who discovered that the truck was fully loaded with illicit Remington Gold brand cigarettes. The cigarettes, valued at R14,449,363, were confiscated along with the truck and tanker, valued at R2.5 million. The suspect was arrested and is expected to face charges of smuggling illicit cigarettes in the Musina Magistrate’s Court.

These operations, which also included stop-and-search activities, route patrols, and foot patrols, are part of the broader efforts under Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining, curb the distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods, and protect local economies. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the police for their vigilance and effective collaboration in disrupting illegal trade at the borders, highlighting the significant impact of these operations on the fight against criminal activities in South Africa. Investigations are ongoing.

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According to SARS, the 47 cocaine bricks – weighing some 50 kg – were stuffed in a bag that was spotted by officials and airport security on a carousel for a flight from Sao Paolo in Brazil and heading to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“SARS Customs officers inspected the luggage bag and saw suspicious looking objects in the bag. These objects tested positive for narcotics. There were no passengers accompanying the bag and no arrests were made. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will now investigate the matter after everything was handed over to them.

“Sao Paolo in Brazil is a high-risk departure point for drug mules, and accompanied and unaccompanied luggage containing cocaine. There have been several busts of drug mules at OR Tambo airport in recent weeks,” the revenue service said.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warned that the revenue service is partnering with the Border Management Authority, the Airports Company, SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs to crack down illegality.

“This multi-disciplinary approach is having palpable results, demonstrated by arrests and interceptions recently. Through these actions, we are protecting the wellbeing of our citizens, especially young people who are our future,” Kieswetter said.

In another case, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Ethiopian Federal Police nabbed a South African drug trafficker with R5.4 million of cocaine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A team from SAPS Gauteng counter narcotics covert intelligence flagged a 29-year-old South African woman through SAPS Interpol on suspicion that the woman was travelling to Brazil to collect drugs and fly back to SA via several countries. The woman indeed travelled to Brazil from OR Tambo International Airport during the first week of October.

According to the drug trafficker’s itinerary, she was supposed to travel from Brazil via Addis Ababa via Sudan and back to South Africa.

Hot on her heels, SAPS intelligence immediately notified the Ethiopian Federal Police about her movements.

On arrival at Addis Ababa on 12 October, she was flagged and her luggage was checked which confirmed that she was carrying 13 kg of cocaine.

She was immediately apprehended and is expected to be charged and appear in court in Ethiopia, the SAPS said.

“The cooperation between SAPS and the Ethiopian Federal Police must be commended. When African police organisations unite, more can and will be achieved by working together. We are stamping the authority of the state on a larger scale and sending out a clearer message that the long arm of the law will find you, no matter which route you utilise to try and traffic drugs into SA. We are intensifying our fight against transnational organised crime and the trafficking of drugs. SAPS intelligence is relentless in their pursuit to be one step ahead of criminals, this is commendable”, said National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

The SAPS said that through Interpol SA, SAPS Gauteng counter narcotics covert intelligence will work closely with the Ethiopian Federal Police to investigate the masterminds behind this consignment.

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