Johannesburg - The appointment of Commissioner Anwar Dramat as the new Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) has been welcomed by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA).
"We welcome the appointment of Commissioner Anwa Dramat who brings with him sound understanding, experience and expertise in the fields of Intelligence and Investigations which he gained as the Western Cape provincial Head of Crime Intelligence and Detective Services," said Siphiwe Nzimande, Chief Executive Officer of BACSA, in a statement.
The unit was established under the South African Police Service, incorporating some of the functions of the former Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) which had fallen under the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The new unit is expected to become operational on 1 July.
"The business community is encouraged by this development and views this as an important step in government's commitment to tackling the challenges represented by organised criminality, which continue to threaten the safety and security of the country, and the business sector," he said.
Mr Nzimande also commended the new Cabinet and Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, for their decision to appoint Commissioner Dramat.
BACSA said it would fully support the intention to resource the directorate with highly skilled investigators, as well as the application of stringent selection and vetting procedures.
"We are pleased that the directorate will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and draw on the skills and expertise of other government departments and institutions.
"It is commendable that dedicated prosecutors will be made available by the NPA to assist the Directorate," he said.
Mr Nzimande assured the new head of their support to ensure a smooth transition and to achieve a rapid reduction of organised crimes.
He said while the business community had a well-established level of cooperation with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against organised crime, the BAC was looking forward to strengthening the public-private partnership.
