Hawks have only half the staff they need

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, a top policing unit in South Africa responsible for combating organized crime and corruption, is severely understaffed. With 2,515 policing staff vacancies, 1,500 of which are investigative positions, the unit faces significant challenges in carrying out its duties.

On the other hand, the Hawks currently have 192 surplus administrative staff. Acting Hawks head Siphesihle Nkosi highlighted that skilled investigators are in high demand, both in the private sector and within other public sector units, making it difficult to retain talent. The unit faces capacity issues, particularly in investigating cybercrime, with only 73 investigators possessing the necessary skills across all nine provinces and the head office.

The budget disparity between the Hawks and the VIP protection unit servicing cabinet members and other government officials is also concerning, with the VIP protection unit having a budget of R4-billion compared to the Hawks' R2.7-billion. The Hawks have been given R75-million this financial year to strengthen their forensic accounting investigative capacity, but despite this, only a fraction of 73 investigators with the required skills are available.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has referred 5,944 matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year. However, the low number of convictions and dismissals highlights the challenges faced due to the lack of investigative powers in the NPA and prosecutorial power within the SIU.