DPCI Reports Major Strides in Fighting National Priority Offences

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), under the leadership of Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, has released a report summarizing its triumphant strides in tackling national priority offences during the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.

The DPCI, colloquially known as the Hawks, continued its pursuit of justice with 18,461 cases carrying 752,712 charges and a staggering R1 trillion in monetary scale. This included 5,616 cases with nearly 12,000 accused in courts and 1,788 cases under NPA review for potential prosecution.

A notable highlight is the apprehension of 673 suspects, charged with serious corruption, fraud, and various other high-profile crimes, indicating the vigilance of the Hawks in ensuring accountability. The arrests touched diverse sectors from illegal mining to cash-in-transit heists, exemplifying a broad and effective reach against crime.

The report detailed a series of impactful cases, including the dismantling of clandestine drug laboratories in Gauteng, which bore a seizure worth over R16 million. Similarly, convictions have been strong with over 500 accused sentenced; this demonstrates the DPCI's effective collaboration with judicial processes to ensure criminals face the full might of the law.

Of intricate interest are the cases involving crimes against the state, with several individuals taken to task for inciting violence and a case of cybercrime resulting in a five-year jail term for false assassination claims of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On the frontline against police killings, the Hawks have honored their fallen comrades by successfully convicting murderers of police officers while engaging actively to halt these tragic incidents.

The report also sheds light on the Hawks' relentless attack on the financial front of criminal networks through asset forfeiture. With a total of 77 court orders granted related to crime-linked assets, the DPCI paints a picture of a multifaceted approach to crime fighting.

In terms of infrastructural crimes, convictions have been secured for thefts concerning Transnet crude oil and cellular tower batteries, revealing the wider societal impact of crimes the Hawks combat.

The DPCI assures an ongoing commitment to upholding the law without prejudice. This commitment parallels the organizational transitions within the division, with two high-ranking officials retiring and newly appointed successors preparing to continue the mission.

The consistent efforts of the DPCI exhibit a robust framework geared towards disrupting nefarious activities, promoting a message of resilience and justice for South Africa.