Kubayi warns of alleged organised-crime infiltration of law enforcement

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has cautioned that organised crime groups are increasingly infiltrating law enforcement agencies, working alongside officials to undermine institutions fighting crime. At the University of Johannesburg's Combating Corruption Summit, Kubayi highlighted the Madlanga Commission's findings, which revealed transnational drug trafficking, corruption, tender fraud, and contract killings.

She emphasized that the most alarming aspect was the alleged infiltration of law enforcement agencies by these criminal organizations. Kubayi stressed the need for strong governance and accountability to protect law enforcement from internal weakening. She compared the issue to the deterioration of state-owned enterprises, suggesting that organised crime targets high-ranking officials to repurpose law enforcement.

Kubayi stressed the importance of safeguarding whistleblowers, whose disclosures are crucial in uncovering hidden networks and illegal activities. She emphasized that the Public Disclosures Bill aims to protect whistleblowers by providing secure reporting channels, protection against retaliation, and support throughout the disclosure process.

Kubayi also noted the progress made by law enforcement in recovering assets linked to corruption, including R8.3 billion recovered through the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit. However, she acknowledged the immense challenges and stressed the importance of the proposed Office of Public Integrity, which would focus on preventing, investigating, and remedying systemic corruption.