Security expert warns South Africa faces mafia-style criminal networks

South Africa is facing a growing threat from organised crime, with experts warning that criminal networks are deeply embedded across multiple sectors.

"By the looks of things, we definitely are looking like some of those South American countries that are run by the mafia and by organised crime cartels. This is really disheartening," says Dorothy Mmushi, a security and forensics expert.

Mmushi cites weaknesses in law enforcement, including understaffed units and insufficient cybercrime capabilities, as key factors in the rise of organised crime.

"I think what we should be doing is looking at better strategies, having better collaboration within the law enforcement space. It's also disheartening to realise that within the criminal justice system, there are cracks and flaws."

She highlights that corruption within the political and criminal justice systems has also hindered effective policing.

"I'm sure, as you have also heard now with the Ad-Hoc Committee, with the Madlanga Commission, the fact that the criminal justice system is not aligned. There are internal conflicts within the SAPS and the NPA. That is also something that shows that there will not be progress in fighting scourges such as organised crime."

Mmushi also criticises the disbanding of the Scorpions, a specialised unit previously tasked with tackling high-level organised crime.

"The disbanding of the Scorpions left a major dent in the crime-fighting efforts."

She stresses that improved strategies, better collaboration within law enforcement, investment in cybercrime expertise, and protection of investigative units from political interference are needed to stop the growth of criminal networks.

To listen to Mmushi in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane, click below: