Defence Minister Angie Motshekga on Tackling Organised Crime
Key Points from Her Answers
During a question‑and‑answer session in the National Council of Provinces, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga explained why simply arresting street‑level criminals and confiscating weapons or drugs is not enough to break organised crime networks. She stressed the need for deeper intelligence work, a whole‑of‑government response, and community involvement.
Why Arresting Low‑Level Offenders Isn’t Enough
- “Catching the runners will not solve organised crime.”
Arresting those who move drugs or weapons only addresses the symptom, not the cause. - The real power lies with the people who organise, fund, and direct the criminal groups.
Focus on Intelligence and Sources
- Intelligence must uncover where drugs and firearms originate, who transports them, and who gives orders.
- Identifying the leaders of illegal mining operations and tracing the flow of contraband are essential steps.
- The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) helps by stabilising areas while gathering information that can expose the networks.
Role of the SANDF
- The force works alongside police and intelligence services to collect data.
- Motshekga reminded that the military’s presence is temporary: “The main issue for us as defence is that we’re not going to be there forever.”
Whole‑Government Approach Needed
Education, Correctional Services, NGOs, and Communities
- Education Department: Keep children in school and protect them from gang recruitment.
- Correctional Services: Prevent gangs from organising and communicating from prisons, despite phone bans.
- NGOs and Civil Society: Partner with authorities to deliver prevention programmes and support services.
- Communities: Residents often know where criminals hide and operate; their tips are vital for intelligence gathering.
- Community facilitation teams are already talking with locals to understand how organised crime shows up in each area.
Operation Prosper Results
Arrests and Seizures
- Firearms, ammunition, narcotics, stolen vehicles, livestock, and equipment used in illegal mining have been confiscated.
- Undocumented individuals were apprehended in several provinces.
- Specific numbers: 133 arrests in the Western Cape and 47 arrests in Gauteng.
- Additional seized items include alcohol, stolen food, wheelbarrows, and oxygen cylinders used for illegal mining.
Budget and Funding
- Allowances (danger, standby, deprivation): R344 million
- Food: R297 million
- Maintenance and repairs: R45 million
- Miscellaneous items (extension cords, etc.): R25 million
- Consumables (cleaning materials, toilet paper): R42 million
- Initially funded from the Defence Department’s existing budget while awaiting Treasury approval.
- Treasury later released R823 million on 6 August, with a prior lump‑sum refund helping bridge the gap.
Looking Ahead
Motshekga promised to give the NCOP a detailed breakdown of arrests, confiscations, and spending. She emphasised that lasting success depends on:
- Strong intelligence to hit the top of criminal networks.
- Collaboration across all government departments, NGOs, and community groups.
- Prevention programmes that keep youth away from gangs.
- Transparent use of resources and clear reporting on operations like Prosper.
Conclusion
Arresting low‑level offenders and seizing contraband are only the first steps. To truly dismantle organised crime, South Africa must combine smart intelligence, a coordinated government response, and active community participation. By addressing the roots—who orders the crimes, how they are funded, and why young people join gangs—the country can build a safer future for everyone.
