Acting Police Minister, Prof Firoz Cachalia, says tackling organised crime and its associated corruption, must be a national priority.
“We need focused, specialist capability based on closer collaboration between the police, prosecutors, financial regulators, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the private sector,” Cachalia said.
He was speaking at the release of the crime statistics for quarter 1 and 2 for 2025/26 in Pretoria, earlier today.
Cachalia said the money stolen through corruption must be traced and criminals must be hit where it hurts - in their pockets.
“We need fast, effective prosecutions and strong witness protection to turn investigations into convictions,” he said.
Cachalia said combatting gang violence required effective, no compromise policing, effective investigation and prosecution. “We must ensure that the gang lords pay for the harm they do to our society and the future of our country.”
The Minister said he empathised with ordinary citizens, saying he knows what it feels like to be mugged in the street; to be raided in one’s home and that his heart goes out to those whose lives have been shattered when a loved one is killed, injured, or traumatised as a result of violent crime.
“We all want and need protection for our families and dignity for our communities. We need better law enforcement and government institutions that work effectively. We must continue to work hard and together to improve the wellbeing of our people. Hold your elected leaders, the Minister of Police, and the police service to account.
“We must invest in initiatives to ensure that our children are well fed, and our youth have opportunities so that we can prevent crime,” the Minister said.
He said organised crime was a direct threat to the safety of people, to the growth of the economy, the prosperity of the country and a threat to the national security.
“Criminal networks fuel violence, entrench corruption and weaken institutions. Organised crime undermines investment and prevents job creation. The scourge of drugs devastates communities and the future prospects of our young people.
“Extortion, kidnappings, vehicle hijackings, gang violence, and cash-in-transit heists have an immediate, terrifying effect on victims and small businesses. Criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments and procurement systems to steal public funds,” he said.
The Minister said criminals wear fancy suits and designer clothes pretending they are legitimate business people.
“This is why the Madlanga Commission and Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee of Inquiry are so important for the future of our criminal justice in South Africa.
“They are currently looking into allegations of criminal individuals and networks influencing elected political leaders, along with the top ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their networks,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
