briefing by National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi
11 May 2006
Introduction
Our cluster continues to be seized on the three priorities of better crime
prevention and public safety, the strengthening of the criminal justice system
and improvement of our national security.
These priorities are a further contribution to the governmentâs growing
public confidence in the creation of a united South Africa steeped in the
greatest tenets of our democracy and the creation of peace and stability in our
country.
1. Crime prevention and public safety
1.1 Crime reduction
We are incessantly working towards reducing the levels of crime by between
seven and 10% per annum until 2014. Particular attention is being given to
contact crimes in the 169 priority areas. Fifteen priority areas spread over
all nine provinces have been identified as pilot areas to implement
developmental projects aimed at addressing the causes of contact crimes. A
partnership has been formed between the Cluster and the Human Sciences Research
Council (HSRC) to enhance the socio and demographic profiles of the 169
priority stations. Mamelodi was identified as a pilot project in this
regard.
The project will eventually be expanded to the other stations in the 15
prioritised areas and later to the remaining of the 169 stations. During the
reporting period 5 540 law-enforcement operations were launched focusing on
contact crimes. These operations led to the following arrests:
* murder: 2 333
* attempted murder: 1 619
* rape: 3 967
* indecent Assault: 423
* assault common: 11 445
* robbery aggravating: 3 614
* robbery: 4 010
In order to curb the incidence of robbery aggravated, ongoing operations are
being conducted between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South
African Bank Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) and other relevant role players.
During one such operation over the period December 2005 to January 2006 more
than 200 suspects were arrested.
1.2 Social crime prevention measures
The SAPS conducted more than 42 antiârape workshops throughout the country.
Furthermore, members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual
Offences Unit (FCS) and general detectives have been trained on FCS
Investigations as well as the policing of child pornography.
Also more than 90 members of SAPS were trained with regard to domestic
violence and 91 members underwent the train-the-trainer domestic violence
course. The Safer Schools Programme has been implemented to more than 378
schools nationwide.
We continue to do regular patrols, cordon as well as search, and
intelligence-driven operations are being conducted at taxi ranks, train
stations and tourism hotspots in order to improve safety in the public
transport and tourism sectors. The rail transport pilot project in the Western
Cape is currently being extended to other provinces.
Reduction of firearms
A total number of 27 112 illegal firearms have been destroyed as a result of
various operations. Five thousands seven hundred and seventy two (5 772)
firearms and 60 214 rounds of ammunition were confiscated during the reporting
period.
Repeat offenders
More than 297 repeat offenders, sought for various crimes committed, have been
identified. Seventy seven of these have been arrested during the reporting
period for crimes ranging from armed and bank robberies, cash-in-transit
heists, and hijackings. One hundred and ninety six (196) suspects are still
outstanding (24 were arrested prior to the reporting period). One of the
arrested suspects, a Mozambican citizen, was arrested on 72 cases, including
various house robbery and rape cases.
More than 55,5 hectares of cannabis plantations were sprayed and an
estimated 38,8 tons of cannabis to the value of R38,85 million was destroyed.
With regard to the monitoring of chemicals, 14 import and 31 export
notifications were monitored.
The following drugs were, inter alia, seized during law-enforcement
operations:
* dagga: 469,124 Kg
* Mandrax: 136,684 tablets
* Ecstasy: 4,295 tablets
* cocaine: 4,6 Kg
* heroin: 1,2 Kg
* crack: 61,284 rocks
* TIK: 3,277 rocks
A total of 12 883 suspects were arrested on drug-related charges. Sixteen
illegal drug laboratories were dismantled during the reporting period. An
Anti-drug Indaba was held in the Northern Cape while Drug Awareness Programmes
were launched at schools in the Eastern Cape.
Not less than 38 registered organised crime projects focussing on drugs are
currently receiving attention. The Cluster has developed a Liquor Control
Strategy which was presented to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and
provincial liquor authorities, as well as other relevant stakeholders, for
necessary comments/ contributions. Once approved, an implementation plan and
process and procedure manual will be developed and implemented.
The SAPS established a National Liquor Control Office within the Division:
Crime Prevention. The aim of this office is to ensure the effective and
efficient operationalisation of liquor legislation. An interdepartmental
platform to address all aspects related to the liquor industry in South Africa
has been established between the National Liquor Control Office and the
National Liquor Authority.
Advances in technology:
Closed circuit television (CCTV) monitor systems are in the process of being
expanded in KwaMashu, Inanda and Mafikeng. The existing Cape Town and Kimberley
CCTV systems are currently being assessed for possible expansion.
DNA: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has installed an Automated DNA
analysis system. This system will permit the FSL to double the daily analysis
of samples which will have a direct impact on the number of samples that can be
analysed and will contribute significantly to the reduction of turn-around
times. This system will become operational during July 2006.
Automated Fingerprint Information System (AFIS): 108 Live Scan Booking
stations have been procured. Implementation will take place during 2006. These
devices have the ability to capture finger and palmprints electronically, which
will in turn improve the quality of prints added to the AFIS database. This
will effectively assist in the identification of more suspects. Turn-around
times and service delivery will be improved as it is a clean system and the use
of black ink is eliminated.
Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS): The current IBIS system
used at the Ballistics Units is a decentralised system with limited centralised
functionality. To improve the system a project has been launched to develop
progress towards a centralised system. This will ensure an improvement in
respect of the success rate regarding the linking and solving of
firearm-related cases.
2. Organised crime syndicates
Corruption: There are currently several (15) organised crime projects
addressing corruption. Suspects (18) have been arrested in these (11)
cases.
Organised crime syndicates: There are currently several 94 Organised Crime
Projects. Over the reporting period, a total of 45 syndicate leaders and 52
syndicate runners have been arrested, whilst the Asset Forfeiture Investigation
Unit made 13 preservation, 28 forfeiture and seven restraint orders against the
assets of suspects. Disruptive operations yielded the following
successes:
* precious metals and diamonds 190 arrests
* drug-related cases 361 arrests.
International co-operation on crime combating
The SAPS is involved in removing and destroying weapons and ammunition in
Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Lesotho was visited
during the reporting period and planning has been completed to conduct a
similar operation in Lesotho. In addition, a total of 69 vehicles were
repatriated to South Africa from Southern African Development Community (SADC)
countries, which include Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and
Swaziland, as part of cross-border operations.
3. Improving the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System
3.1 Enhancing capacity of the cluster departments
The SAPS has been allocated 11 000 posts for the 2006/07 financial year which
will bring the total staff establishment to 162 000. Provision has been made
for the enlistment of 10 000 police officers and 1 000 Public Service Act
personnel. 155 320 posts have been filled as at 24 March 2006.
In order to improve service delivery to communities, the SAPS have
re-engineered all its present processes and are in the process of eradicating
unnecessary/duplicated functions and activities. The current four hierarchical
levels of the SAPS (national, provincial, and local/police station level) will
be reduced to three organisational levels, namely national, provincial and
local/police station level. National level will focus mainly on policy-making,
the formulation of National Standards and perform its duties in accordance with
Section 218 of the Constitution. The provincial level will, in terms of Section
219 of the Constitution, be responsible for providing comprehensive policing
services within the province. The local/police station level will be empowered
to render a comprehensive operational policing service with maximum
decision-making authority within a designated policing precinct.
A flatter, decentralised structure with clearly defined functions for the
SAPS will have the following impact on policing:
* flattening of hierarchies in the SAPS
* the capacity at station level will be strengthened with sufficient resources,
through relevant training, capacity building, the devolution of
power/authority, placement of trained personnel and allocation of physical
resources (e.g. vehicles, computers)
* presently police stations have a total personnel strength of approximately 95
000 and it is envisaged that the personnel establishment for police stations
will increase by almost 35 000 which will then sustained at nearly 130 000 â up
to 2010
* the necessary authority will be delegated to police managers at local/station
level and they will in turn be made accountable for the desired targeted
results
* police officials at station/local level will be enabled to respond quickly to
changing circumstances and client/community needs
* it is anticipated that police-community trust and relations will
improve
* it is also envisaged that interactions, communication and participation
between management and operational members will improve
* cost savings (e.g. eradication of duplication of functions and
activities)
* correct allocation of categories of jobs
* improved effectiveness and efficiency in terms of the utilisation of human-
and physical resources.
The recently approved structure of the SAPS is specifically designed to
eliminate the disadvantages of over-specialisation and to incorporate the
advantages of decentralisation of work and authority, which ought to be
performed and exercised at the lowest possible level of the SAPS.
Criminal justice system
Strengthening capacity of the justice system to protect the rights of
children
The fight against sexual offences in general, with particular emphasis on
its impact on children, is a national priority. In its endeavours to strengthen
the capacity of the justice system to protect the rights of children, the
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) has taken a
number of important steps, including:
* The Department is providing facilities at courts where child witnesses,
especially in child abuse cases, can testify in a friendly and secure
environment, without the risk of being intimidated by coming into direct
contact with the accused, or indirect intimidation through inherent legal
procedures such as hostile cross-examination.
* New child witness rooms are fitted with one-way glass partitions adjacent to
the courtrooms. Where it is impossible to provide such rooms in existing
buildings, other rooms away from the courts are being utilised, by providing a
closed-circuit television link.
* 53 full-time intermediaries have been appointed during the past book year and
is currently expanding on this initiative. (The Sexual Offences Amendment Bill
(2003) aims to provide intermediary facilities to all vulnerable witnesses in
sexual offence cases, where appropriate. While awaiting the finalisation of
legislation and the work study investigation into the post class of
âintermediaryâ, the DoJ&CD appointed the full-time intermediaries on
contract in especially dedicated sexual offences courts.)
By 2005, 54 sexual offences courts, with an average conviction rate of 62%,
had been established. Many of those cases dealt with the protection of the
rights of children. Twenty six of the 54 courts are blue-print compliant,
whilst attention is currently being given to provide the infrastructure to make
the remainder compliant. Permanent positions will be created in conjunction
with the Magistrates Commission to capacitate sexual offences courts.
The Office of the Family Advocate has for the past years assisted with
reports to the court in litigation relating to children in divorce actions or
applications for the variation of existing divorce orders. The functions of the
Family Advocate have been extended to include maintenance and domestic violence
through the Judicial Matters Second Amendment Act, 2005. Numerous related
matters have been investigated by this office and brought to fruition,
resulting in the increased protection of the rights of children.
December 2005 saw the launch of Operation Isondlo â a maintenance awareness
campaign within the DoJ&CD. The Operation has been launched in various
provinces and substantial success has been achieved in the tracing of
maintenance defaulters and payment of maintenance monies in arrears. Numerous
children have benefited from this initiative, which will run throughout the
rest of 2006.
Legislation
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill and the Child Justice Bill
are serving before Parliament. It is crucial that the Bills be finalised to
furthermore strengthen the capacity of the justice system in protecting the
rights of children.
Police Reservist System
A National Joint Task Team (NJTT), co-chaired by the SAPS and South African
National Defence Force (SANDF), visited the provinces to assist with the
implementation of the Commandos/Reservists Exit/Entry Strategy Implementation
Plans and to identify potential gaps regarding the phasing out of the
commandos.
Modular outcomes-based training programmes have been completed to enhance
the skills and knowledge of all reservists. A budget of R260 million has been
approved to call up reservists for duty for which they will be paid, based on
the identified operational needs of the SAPS. The following number of
reservists could be called up over the reflected periods:
2006/07: R60 million to call up 8 000 reservists
2007/08: R80 million to call up 15 000 reservists
2008/09: R120 million to call up 25 000 reservists
Enhance the capacity of the National Immigration Service:
Since the launch of the National Immigration Branch (NIB) last year, the
Department of Home Affairs embarked on a massive drive to recruit and train the
necessary skills in the area of immigration to ensure successful implementation
of the Immigration Regulations.
The Minister recently announced the deployment of 40 immigration officials
at Cape Town and Johannesburg International Airports respectively. In addition,
83 refugee status determination officers appointed to speed up asylum and
refugee applications processes. The Department has appointed nine provincial
managers at Chief Director level at Home Affairs provincial offices. This will
go a long way towards making sure that we do indeed, turn the tide of service
delivery.
JCPS Transformation and Modernisation Projects
Implementation of the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS)
and the AFIS:
In an effort to improve security and ensure better service delivery through
technology, the Department of Home Affairs embarked on a project to digitise
(transfer from manual to electronic) fingerprints of millions of citizens. The
project is part of HANIS. Since the project commenced a few years back 20,6
million (i.e. 69%) fingerprints have been digitised.
In addition to the transfer to documents to electronic a Disaster Recovery
System for HANIS is being implemented to address the risk management element of
the project. The recovery system deals with the following:
* fire prevention system
* data cabling
* security room equipment
The disaster site was handed over to the Department in April.
Jali Commission of Enquiry
The White Paper on Corrections places emphasis on the role of families and
communities as primary and secondary intervention sites respectively in the
rehabilitation and social integration of offenders. Our national strategies
seek to rebuild these institutions and improve their role in rebuilding our
social fibre in order to limit the inflow into the increasingly efficient
criminal justice system. A long term solution to overcrowding lies there.
It is against this backdrop, that the Department is looking at a number of
options that could assist in the reduction of overcrowding in correctional
centres, also being mindful of the fact that this will not be achieved
overnight due to the cycle of crime in our country and the huge achievements
being made by the Department of Safety and Security in nabbing offenders and
the impact of the minimum sentencing meted out by the courts.
The following figures and facts so far provide an overview of the reduction
trends as far as population of correctional centres is concerned:
* Since 2003 the offender population started stabilising and began to
decline significantly in 2005, after exponential growth between 1995 and 2003
at a rate of about 10 000 offenders per year.
* Statistics indicate that in 1995, we had 110 000 offenders, in 2003, the
number increased to 187 000 whilst it dropped in 2005 to 156 000.
* Bed space was increased by 697 in 2005 with limited but highly welcomed
impact on overcrowding which stands nationally at 137%.
* Awaiting-trial detainees also dropped from 52 313 in January 2005 to about 46
327 in December 2005.
* Children awaiting trial in our facilities are also declining from 1775 in
January 2005 to 12 717 in December 2005.
The Department is also considering introducing parole conditions for certain
category of offenders who display clear conduct of effective rehabilitation.
This will however exclude those that have committed serious crimes such as
murder, armed robbery, etc. Amongst this category, are the offenders that are
currently bedâridden as a result of serious illnesses who may require intensive
medical attention and welfare and support from their families.
The National Council on Correctional Services, a statutory body that was
established in terms of the Correctional Services Act to advise the Minister on
policy matters, has been requested to attend to some of the issues that could
assist in reducing overcrowding in correctional centres. It is expected to
provide a report to the Minister in due course on its recommendations.
4. Upholding national security
4.1 National Security Strategy and National Security Management System
The Minister for Intelligence Services, Ronnie Kasrils (MP), on 29 August
2005, indicated his intention to put in place an integrated approach to
reviewing a range of legislative and policy issues arising out of
representations made to him by the services as well as recommendations arising
from the work of other task teams and discussions with Heads of Services.
On 9 September 2005, the Minister appointed the Co-ordinator for
Intelligence, Mr Barry Gilder to lead this process.
Following the findings by the Inspector-General of Intelligence into the
illegal surveillance of a member of the public, the Minister announced on 26
October 2005, his intention to review the legislation, internal regulations and
operating procedures governing the Intelligence Services. The objective was to
determine whether there are any gaps or ambiguities that needed tightening up.
The mandate of the Task Team was then extended to include the review of
internal regulations and operational policies.
The terms of reference of the Task Team were further extended based on the
Inspector-Generalâs recommendation of the need for appropriate superintendence
and oversight of the conceptualisation, planning and execution of political
intelligence projects.
The completion date set for the Task Team was end April 2006. The Minister
has since been handed the report and is currently studying its contents. The
report will also be presented to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence
(JSCI) and its findings will be made public in due course.
Another positive development has been the appointment of Mr Manala Manzini
as the new National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General.
4.2 Border control and security
Border Control and Security Strategy
The Border Control Co-ordinating Committee (BCOCC) is introducing a
comprehensive implementation plan based on the strategy for border control and
security in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), approved at the Cabinet
Lekgotla. The following elements of the plan are already operational:
* linking the organised crime approach to ports of entry. Recent successes are
the confiscation of drugs at Johannesburg International Airport came as a
result of this approach.
* continued implementation of Operation Protect (international
terrorism).
* borderline operations:
* land borderline: all borders of the RSA are being covered by either the SAPS
or the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
* sea borderline: targeted operations are being conducted on the Western Cape
sea border.
* air borders: operations are being conducted at smaller airports and
airfields.
* anti-corruption projects have been implemented at ports of entry.
It is envisaged that the strategy will be co-ordinated by the National
Border Control Centre once finalised.
Construction and upgrading of ports of entry:
The existing and future information and communication technology (ICT)
requirements in this environment are addressed through identification and
prioritisation of needs. These requirements are then addressed by a dedicated
team of experts who do the procurement and installation. This team also ensures
the maintenance of specific standards between the various role-players and the
avoidance of duplication. To date, projects to the value of R21 million have
been initiated to improve the ICT capacity in the border environment.
National Border Control Centre: A national operational centre which will
monitor and administer all matters relating to the border environment in the
RSA is in the planning stage. This centre will combine the resources of all
departments involved in the border environment and will contribute greatly to
the access and sharing of individual databases. In addition, the centre will
centralise the capabilities of such departments and will enable a co-ordinated
response to any contingencies in this environment. A work study has been
completed by SAPS as to the requirements of the centre, and this concept will
be rolled-out with active participation by other relevant departments. It is
envisaged that this centre will eventually operate on a 24-hour basis.
Strategic Advisory Committee: A sub-committee has been established under the
auspices of National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC), which will
identify strategic threats and opportunities in the border environment and
communicate these to relevant line-function departments represented on the
Border Control Operational Co-ordinating Committee (BCOCC).
Sustain initiatives directed at addressing the illegal movement of persons
and goods: In order to improve the capacity of Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
to exercise control over the movement of persons and the capacity of the SAPS
to combat cross border crime, DHA is in the process of taking over immigration
functions at ports of entry where the SAPS is currently performing those
functions on an agency basis (DHA/SAPS Entry / Exit strategy), as well as
certain sea ports where South African Revenue Service (SARS) is performing DHA
functions.
The DHA staff establishment for staffing these posts has been approved.
Standardise Operating Procedures and Skills Development: Part of the
strategic direction of the BCOCC is to align departments to a standard set of
norms and procedures, in order to facilitate a common approach. This will not
affect the line-function responsibilities of departments, but will enhance the
logical flow processes and avoid duplication of services and will be
centralised in an Integrated Border Control Management Model. A sub-committee
has initiated work in this regard. The concept of transversal training will
also be addressed in order to raise the skills level of personnel deployed in
the border environment, thus improving efficiency.
Harmonise domestic and international legal instruments and policies relating
to the border environment
The legal issues surrounding the creation of one-stop border posts were
given priority in view of the fact that it caused a delay in the upgrading of
facilities at certain ports of entry. The findings confirmed the
constitutionality of the initial proposal and that the legal matters are
regulated by means of international agreements.
Sector specific focus areas: In order to maximise inter-departmental
co-operation in the border environment and to avoid unnecessary duplication,
sub-committees have been established to manage the land and rail, sea and air
environments. These committees co-ordinate matters of mutual interest and have
led to interventions such as managing the movement of schoolchildren across the
Swaziland/RSA borders.
Exit and entry strategy for countryâs borderline: The handing over of the
RSA border line from SANDF to SAPS is continuing as per the approved schedule.
In certain areas such as the Lesotho and Botswana border line, intervention
operations have been launched. More than 4000 arrests have been made by SAPS
members on the land borders over the reporting period.
A pilot project to secure areas of the Western Cape sea border line has been
launched through the use of sea and land-based patrols. Successes over the
reporting period include more than 60 arrests for various offences. In the air
environment, intervention operations have been conducted at more than 330
smaller airports and landing strips. More than 550 arrests have been affected.
Most of the arrests were carried out in the vicinity of the border since most
of the airports and landing strips where operations were carried out are close
to the RSA border.
5. Matters outstanding from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(TRC)
The matter of the TRC is ongoing and the national Director of Public
Prosecutions continues to receive and act on information relating to the
Commission. The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) is currently conducting an
audit of all TRC cases and investigation and prosecution of these cases remains
a high priority.
Sixteen (16) cases are being further investigated and interaction with the
victims and their families has been established. The NPA is preparing possible
charges and conducting research on anticipated defences in these cases.
Exhumations and reburials
The Missing Persons Task Team is working in partnership with affected
non-governmental groups including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and
victim groups to develop a policy format for investigation and exhumations.
Further, a partnership has been established with the Argentine Forensic
Anthropology Team in order to develop human rights focused forensic capacity in
South Africa and to share knowledge on international best practices. Another
partnership established with the Human Identification Laboratory at the
University of the Western Cape has ensured capacity and expertise in DNA
testing in respect of exhumed remains.
Twenty-three (23) remains have been exhumed, eight of which have been
identified. Five of these have been handed over to their families for reburial
and a further three are being prepared for hand over to the affected families.
The other 15 cases, including the Mamelodi 10, are undergoing DNA testing and
results are awaited.
The task team has offered assistance in terms of investigation, research and
forensic work to the Namibia authorities in respect of their recently uncovered
mass graves.
6. Big events
6.1 Local Government elections
The Local Government elections on 1 March 2006, was secured by more than 100
000 members from SAPS, SANDF, the Intelligence Community and Metro Police
Services. Police action was required in 40 incidents on election day ranging
from assaults, intimidation and malicious damage to property, public violence
and offences in terms of the Electoral Act.
6.2 Soccer World Cup 2010
Detailed operational planning commenced in January 2006 based on the framework
plan which was approved by FIFA. A comprehensive budget for the implementation
of the Security Plan, as well as the security evaluation of the host stadiums
has been completed. Issues currently receiving attention are:
* IT security
* anti-ambush strategy
* procurement of equipment including helicopters, command and control,
vehicles, mobile police stations and courts.
Issued by: South African Police Service
11 May 2006
