SAPS plan to deploy more detectives lacks prevention strategy, expert says
Security strategist Andy Mashaile says the SAPS plan to boost detective numbers will aid investigations but warns it won't prevent violent crime.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Security strategist and former Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile has praised SAPS's initiative to deploy additional detectives to the 30 police stations with high rates of contact crime; however, he cautioned that this measure will not prevent crimes but rather assist in solving them.
'Sending additional detectives will only lead to a decreased number of crimes from an investigative point of view. It is not a preventative measure,' Mashaile told IOL News on Friday.
'While I see wisdom in beefing up detective services, throwing bodies into the system will add huge value in addressing cold cases and reducing backlogs at the top 30 stations.'
Mashaile pointed to an overwhelming backlog as a major obstacle to the effective prosecution and conviction of criminals.
'In some precincts, a single officer might handle as many as 300 dockets. Some of them are bound to fall through the cracks. Some disappear and only God knows where they go.'
He said such volume can push officers toward corruption, including selling case dockets.
'There are cases where police officers have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for selling dockets,' he said.
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However, he welcomed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola's efforts to strengthen the detective division.
'I am more than impressed and support the minister and commissioner's turnaround strategy for detective services, so that crimes can be solved, cold cases reduced, and backlogs cleared,' he said.
Earlier on Friday, IOL News reported that Masemola said on Friday that over 4,000 new officers will join SAPS detective services this year, with many recruited from newly trained constables.
SAPS will also re-enlist former officers, hire retired detectives, and deploy 300 intelligence operatives and 675 forensic experts currently in training.
Masemola added that 5,000 public order officers and 575 emergency call centre operators have been deployed, and 150 station commanders appointed in high-crime provinces to boost service delivery.
Meanwhile, Mashaile welcomed the additional 785 detectives being assigned to the Hawks, calling it a 'much-needed relief.'
'The challenge now is ensuring these officers receive the rigorous training required for the Hawks,' he told IOL News.
'This is a specialised unit. Officers need to be upskilled in areas such as cybercrime and forensic investigations.'
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