HAWKS
By Karabo Marifi
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has announced a major breakthrough in the battle against high-profile criminal activities in South Africa. In a recent media briefing held in Pretoria, Lebeya outlined the HAWKS significant achievements over the last quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year, showcasing the unit’s relentless efforts in curbing serious crimes and enhancing national security.
Record Drug Seizures and Arrests
A staggering R47,224,231.20 worth of drugs were seized by the DPCI, commonly known as the Hawks, marking a monumental achievement in the fight against drug trafficking. As part of this extensive operation, 68 suspects were apprehended, with 42 of them being South Africans and 25 foreign nationals.
Lebeya highlighted the importance of both reducing the demand for drugs within communities and halting their supply through law enforcement actions. “It is therefore imperative to educate our communities to stop the demand of drugs whilst law enforcement stops the supply,” he asserted.
Widespread Impact Beyond Drug Trafficking
In addition to the notable drug bust, the Hawks have also made significant progress in tackling other serious crimes. According to Lebeya, 547 suspects, made up of 526 natural persons and 21 juristic persons, have been brought before various courts across the country. In terms of arrests, fraud topped the list with 224 accused, including 21 juristic persons.
A total of 182 convictions were secured, spanning cases related to serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, and serious corruption. Of these convictions, 120 were South Africans, while 55, or 30%, were foreign nationals—largely Zimbabwean, Basotho, and Mozambican individuals.
Gauteng and North West Lead in Convictions
The provinces leading the way in convictions were Gauteng, with 32 cases, and the North West, with 31. This significant legal outcome emphasises the ongoing commitment of these regions in supporting the country’s anti-crime initiatives.
Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives Confiscated
The Hawks also recorded substantial seizures of firearms and other dangerous items. Over the period, 736 firearms, 1,159 rounds of ammunition, and 69 explosives were confiscated, further disrupting the operations of various criminal networks.
Police Killings: A Grim Reality
Lebeya addressed the concerning issue of police killings, describing attacks on police officials as direct assaults on the State. During the period under review, 22 police officers, including 17 who were off-duty and five on-duty, lost their lives. The DPCI responded with 18 arrests, and eight individuals have been sentenced, with five receiving life imprisonment.
Four men have also been taken into custody for the murder of a Hawks official, illustrating the unit’s commitment to justice for fallen comrades.
Cash-in-Transit Heists: A Persistent Threat
Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies continue to challenge South Africa’s security apparatus. Despite the ruthless nature of these crimes, the Hawks, in collaboration with private organisations, reported 51 cases, effected 20 arrests, and secured 15 convictions in the last quarter. These numbers reflect the ongoing efforts to thwart CIT heists and bring perpetrators to justice.
Dismantling Drug Labs
In a bid to dismantle the drug manufacturing infrastructure, the DPCI successfully shut down five drug laboratories valued at R27,970,180. A total of 15 suspects were arrested during these operations, marking a notable victory for law enforcement agencies.
A Call for Community Involvement
Lieutenant General Lebeya stressed the importance of community involvement in these initiatives, urging South Africans to educate one another about the dangers of drug use and to support the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
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