New unit 'to crush organised crime'
Proffesor Ndawonde
10 June 2009
South Africa's new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) has sent a warning to criminals that it's ready to "crush the backbone of organised crime" when it becomes operational on 1 July.
In an exclusive interview with BuaNews, unit head Commissioner Anwa Dramat said the DPCI's mandate was simple: "Crush organised crime without mercy. Deal with criminals regardless of their stature or standing.
"We are ready to execute this task," Dramat said at an event marking the second anniversary of South Africa's Crime Line initiative in Johannesburg this week.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa appointed Dramat last month to head the new unit, which has replaced the National Prosecuting Authority's Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), also known as the Scorpions.
Strong, capable
Dramat said the unit was strong, capable and well-resourced to hunt criminals.
"We are resourcing the unit to ensure that South Africans can enjoy their hard-earned liberty without fear of criminals and international syndicates," he said. "We are hopeful that criminals will start to realise our ability not only to bite but also to chew!"
He said that between 600 and 800 former members of the South African Police Service's Commercial Branch, the Scorpions, Home Affairs and South African Revenue Services would swell the ranks of the unit.
Dramat added that these former units had done excellent work in finalising outstanding matters such as case audits, personnel issues and budgets in preparation for the launch of the new unit under the command of a joint task team.
legislation amendment
In February, former President Kgalema Motlanthe signed the SAPS Amendment Act and Section 43 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, which allowed for the establishment of the unit and the transitional arrangements related to the Scorpions.
Dramat said both the DSO and the SAPS had embarked on a process to ascertain the number of employees who would consent to transferring to the new unit.
"The vast majority of members consented to migrate, even though a few members are still leaving their options open," he said, adding that he was satisfied with the current members.
Source: BuaNews
