Significant inroads made in high profile cases

National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, says significant inroads have been made in apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cases, thus ensuring accountability and justice for victims of crime.

The DPCI’s arrests have targeted persons involved in the commission of national priority offences, including serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, fraud, money laundering, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, illegal mining, damage to essential infrastructure, theft of fuel from pipelines, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and trafficking in endangered species.

At a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, outlining progress and taking stock of milestones achieved during the fourth and last quarter of the financial year 2023/2024, Lebeya said 547 suspects representing 526 natural persons and 21 juristic persons were secured before the country’s various courts.

“Of these natural persons, 421, which is 80%, are South Africans while 105, which is 20%, are foreign nationals,” Lebeya said.

Fraud contributed to the highest number of arrests with 224 accused, including 21 juristic persons.

“A total number of 182 convictions, including seven juristic persons, were secured with 84 convictions emanating from Serious Organised Crime, 61 from Serious Commercial Crime and 37 from Serious Corruption. Of these convicts, 120 are South Africans, while 55, which represent 30%, are foreign nationals.

“The top convicted foreign nationals were Zimbabwean with 11 Basotho and Mozambican nationals representing a total number of nine accused persons each,” Lebeya said.

The top two provinces, which contributed to a high number of convictions, was Gauteng with a total number of 32 and the North West with 31.

“During this period, 736 firearms, 1 159 ammunition and 69 explosives were seized,” he said.

Touching on police killings, Lebeya said an attack on a police official is an attack on the State.

“Police officers are a protective layer ensuring that law abiding people are protected against criminals,” he said.

Lebeya said 22 police officials, 17 off duty, five on duty, were murdered during the period.

“We responded and effected 18 arrests. Furthermore, eight accused have been sentenced, five of whom were given life imprisonment sentences,” he said.

Lebeya said four men are in custody for killing a Hawks official.

With regard to cash-in-transit robberies, Lebeya said cash-in transit heists continue to be a thorn in the country.

“The DPCI, in collaboration with private organisations, continues to strengthen the fight against these crimes. The CIT robbers are ruthless and do not care about the lives of bystanders. For this quarter, 51 cases were reported, 20 arrests were effected and 15 convictions were secured,” Lebeya said.

Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the DPCI is successfully disrupting criminal networks operating in the country.

“Drugs valued at R47 224 231.20 were seized with a total number of 68 suspects arrested, of which 42 which is 61.76% are South African nationals and 25 which is 36.76%, are foreign nationals,” he said.

Lebeya said five drug laboratories were dismantled with the total value of R27 970 180 and a total number of 15 suspects were arrested.

“It is therefore imperative to educate our communities to stop the demand of drugs whilst law enforcements stop the supply,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za