Organised crime a direct threat to the safety of South Africans, the economy, and national security - Cachalia

While releasing the latest crime statistics, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has described organised crime as a direct threat to the safety of South Africans, the economy, and overall national security.

Cachalia highlighted the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal, where R2 billion was stolen, as an example of how sophisticated organised crime has become.

He has promised to intensify efforts against organised crime syndicates.

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The acting police minister lamented that some of the most ruthless criminals were often those dressed in expensive suits and designer clothing.

He said the individuals often targeted public institutions and looted tenders that were meant to help South Africa’s most vulnerable.

Cachalia outlined the many ways in which he believes this highly organised practice has become a threat to 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."

He said that one of his priorities this year was to address organised crime.

"Criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments and procurement systems to steal public funds. These criminals wear fancy suits and designer clothes, pretending they are legitimate business people."

Meanwhile, Cachalia announced that contact crimes decreased by 3.1% between July and September this year.