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Date: 11/05/2006
Source: South African Police Service
Title: Selebi: Updating of Programme of Action – May
2006
Justice, Crime Prevention and Security’s Programme of
Action briefing by National Police Commissioner, Jackie
Selebi
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
government’s 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:
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 anti–rape 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 – 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
“intermediary”, 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 – 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
bed–ridden 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-General’s 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 country’s 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
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