Hawks’ Successes in Second Quarter 2023/24 Financial Year
Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya (Soeg), leading the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), presented a comprehensive report to the public detailing the notable accomplishments of the DPCI in the second quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year.
During this period, the DPCI made significant strides in combating national priority offenses, resulting in the arrest of 801 suspects, including 791 natural persons and 10 juristic persons. Furthermore, 244 accused individuals were successfully convicted and sentenced.
The arrests of the 791 natural persons were further analysed according to crime category and nationality, with 570 being South Africans and 221 being foreign nationals. The prevalent national priority offenses included fraud, precious metals, diamonds, narcotics, Cash in Transit robberies (CIT), and corruption, contributing to the high number of apprehensions.
In connection with the arrests, the DPCI also seized various exhibits such as precious metals, diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives, and electronic devices with a combined worth of R92,407,269.33.
The convictions in this quarter predominantly pertained to fraud and offenses related to precious metals and diamonds, with South Africans and foreign nationals featuring as the main nationalities among the convicted.
Notably, the report also highlighted a subset of 30 cases, representing 3% of the total successes, emphasizing the commendable achievements in arrests, convictions, and asset recovery.
Furthermore, the report underscored the Directorate’s concerted efforts in investigating serious organized crime and seeking justice for police killings. It detailed a number of arrests, including the sentencing of individuals involved in the murder of police officials, an illegal mining kingpin, and various other criminal activities.
The update also emphasized the DPCI’s successful efforts in dismantling illegal mining activities, apprehending kidnapping suspects, combating drug trafficking, and addressing crimes related to cash-in-transit heists.
Additionally, the report shed light on cases involving wildlife trafficking, fraud, theft, and money laundering, underscoring the importance of combatting economic protected resources crimes and addressing cases related to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The update elaborated on the investigations and convictions of individuals involved in COVID-19 related fraud, PPE corruption, and other financial crimes, demonstrating the commitment to upholding the law without fear, favor, or prejudice.
In conclusion, the report highlighted the unwavering determination of the Directorate to enforce the law of the Republic and protect the interests of the public.
