Pretoria: The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General SF Masemola, addressed attendees at the Transnational Organised Crime Work Session held at the Southern Sun Hotel. The session focused on addressing the complex and evolving threats posed by Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), with the aim of disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that undermine global security, stability, and prosperity.
According to South African Police Service, TOC is no longer confined to specific regions or markets but has expanded globally through technology, trade, and finance. The interconnected nature of the modern world has facilitated the proliferation of illicit activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, illegal arms trade, environmental crimes, and financial fraud. These activities pose significant threats to governments, economies, and communities worldwide.
General Masemola highlighted the adaptive nature of criminal enterprises, which employ sophisticated methods like cryptocurrency, laundering, deepfake technology, and encrypted communication. They exploit jurisdictional gaps, weak regulatory frameworks, and corruption, making international cooperation essential in combating these crimes. While aligning strategies with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa has actively addressed the impact of these networks.
In recent actions, four suspects were arrested on charges related to trafficking in persons. The suspects lured victims with promises of a better life, only to exploit them through coercion and force. A joint operation led to the arrest of these suspects and the rescue of victims.
In another significant operation, the SAPS Special Task Force unit rescued 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals in Johannesburg, who were allegedly held against their will. The rescue occurred during a mission to trace a kidnapping victim, resulting in the arrest of two alleged human traffickers.
The battle against drug trafficking has seen the arrest of approximately 20 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport since 2024. Recent operations have led to the seizure of cocaine worth millions and the arrest of several drug traffickers, including individuals from Brazil and Paraguay, who attempted to smuggle drugs into the country.
Durban harbour in KwaZulu-Natal has been the site of major drug busts, including an intelligence-led operation that recovered a significant amount of cocaine hidden in paint containers from Brazil, destined for distribution in Gauteng. The cocaine was valued at over R80 million.
In an effort to remove illegal firearms from circulation, the SAPS recently destroyed over 16,000 firearms and parts in Vanderbijlpark. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhance public safety by permanently removing illegal weapons from the streets. Over six years, more than 279,000 firearms have been destroyed.
General Masemola emphasized the staggering scale and impact of these crimes and the necessity for unwavering responses. He called for decisive, collaborative, and innovative actions to combat TOC, emphasizing that the fight against these crimes is a shared global responsibility.
As the work session continues, participants are urged to strategize effectively, knowing that more needs to be done to achieve greater success in dismantling criminal networks and ensuring a safer future for generations to come.