Political, criminal links threaten national security: Dr. Sifolo
Sifolo testified on national intelligence assessments relating to organised crime.
Dr. Ntandazo Sifolo, the Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC), has informed the Madlanga Commission that the intertwining of politics and criminal activities poses a significant threat to South Africa's national security. During his testimony, Sifolo discussed intelligence assessments concerning organized crime, political killings, corruption, and the infiltration of state institutions.
The commission's mandate includes investigating criminality, corruption, and political interference within the criminal justice system, including the potential involvement of state officials in criminal activities.
Sifolo highlighted the growing concern of political killings and intimidation during the 2021 local government elections, which threatened political stability. He emphasized that the intertwining of politics and the criminal underworld has led to heightened insecurity in the country. Sifolo warned of the emergence of mafia-like criminal networks, widespread corruption, and the infiltration of law enforcement structures.
He also expressed concerns over the private security sector taking on functions legally reserved for state law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, Sifolo pointed out weaknesses within the state security apparatus, making it challenging to prevent and combat crime and corruption. He mentioned specific examples of syndicated crimes such as cash in transit heists, illegal mining, human smuggling, and contraband trade, which have contributed to the public's hopelessness and widened the trust deficit.
Sifolo criticized the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) and the Investigating Directorate Against Crime (IDAC) for allegedly playing a role in obstructing efforts to cleanse the criminal justice system and address infiltration within state institutions. He revealed that NICOC had requested the postponement of certain oversight investigations due to potential interference with ongoing intelligence operations, but the request was not granted.
Sifolo stated that intelligence reports had confirmed the involvement of the IGI and IDAC in thwarting the intelligence services' efforts to decontaminate the criminal justice system.
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