Strategic Plan 2002/2005 | Strategies

The South African Police Service has developed the following strategies to implement the priorities identified in par. 3.1 above.

National Crime Combating Strategy (NCCS)

1. Approach to crime priorities

The prevailing incidence of crime and violence in South Africa, particularly in certain areas, has necessitated the close scrutiny and analysis of the crime situation and intelligence picture to determine which areas in South Africa have the highest incidence of crime and violence (geographical hot spots), and what approach should be followed to stabilize these areas. This has led to the identification of high-crime areas (crime combating zones). These are areas where more than 50% of the serious, violent and organised crimes such as high-jackings, attacks on farms and smallholdings, and bank robberies, occur.

The SAPS has followed an approach of stabilizing crime in the identified areas since 1 April 2000. Approximately 140 station areas have already been identified from the almost 1 200 station areas. These station areas have been grouped into crime combating zones which do not necessarily correspond with the boundaries of police areas. In some instances a crime combating zone may fall within two or more police areas or provinces. Crime combating zones may also include station areas adjacent to identified hot spot areas to prevent crime spilling over into neighbouring stations.

An approach has, therefore, been adopted whereby the serious and violent, as well as organized crime in the identified areas or zones are stabilized to enable normal crime management, and to create a climate conducive to socio- economic development. This is achieved by means of the Geographic Approach and the Organized Crime Approach which, among other things, entail the appointment of multidisciplinary crime combating teams

These approaches are augmented by comprehensive strategies to deal with the proliferation of firearms, and crimes against women and children. During the stabilization period, seen as a short-term operational approach, specific emphasis is placed on improving service delivery and developing capacity at local level.

To further consolidate the multidisciplinary approach for addressing crime in the identified areas, the Minister for Safety and Security and the National Commissioner of the SAPS have set in motion joint cooperation between their departments and other relevant departments such as Justice, Health, Water Affairs, Correctional Services, SANDF, Forestry, and Constitutional Development. Various departments, therefore, interact with the Safety and Security operational structures either in addressing crime or social needs within a specific area.

1. Geographic approach

In terms of this approach components that operated in isolation in the past, now share intelligence, and human and physical resources. They address crime within an identified crime area in an integrated manner. Multidisciplinary teams comprising operational members currently policing specific areas are developing integrated plans to address crime in those areas. A decentralized, multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven approach has, therefore, also been adopted.

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Crime Task Groups, as reflected by figure 1, have been established.

These task teams initiate operations in the identified high-crime areas through a Joint Operational Committee (JOC) on the basis of a crime intelligence profile. The operations they launch include investigations, surveillance, cordon and search operations, high-density operations, roadblocks, searches, arrest of wanted persons, and crime prevention operations in general.

2. Selected organized crime

A process has been implemented to identify the crime syndicates, which have the biggest impact on organized crime. Organized Crime Project Teams are being established to neutralize these syndicates.

The operational concept for combating selected organized crime is set out in figure 2.

The approach adopted in this regard is to focus on key syndicates as opposed to individual crimes. Investigations are intelligence driven and are coordinated by a detective. Investigating teams are multi-disciplinary, which ensures that an integrated approach is followed. The existing specialized units such as SANAB, Vehicle Crime units, Firearm units and Anti-corruption units are being restructured into multi-disciplinary Organized Crime units.

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3. Proliferation of firearms

Although the geographic approach and the organized crime strategy also address illegal firearms, a broader approach, which provides for proactive and reactive methods, is required to successfully deal with the proliferation of firearms throughout South Africa and in relation to its neighbouring states.

• The key focus areas and elements of the strategy to deal with the proliferation of firearms are as follows:

Focus area 1

Controlling the influx of firearms across the borders:

Key elements

• Firearm Control Bill
• Border Control
• SADC Protocol on Firearm Control
• Cross-Border operations
• Destruction of arms caches in neighbouring countries

Focus area 2

Preventing / deterring the theft, loss and abuse of legal firearms:

Key elements

• Firearm Control Bill
• Safe keeping of firearms
• Policies / procedures - Improved control over State firearms
• Audits / inspections
• Awareness campaigns

Focus area 3

Tracing lost / illegal firearms:

Key elements

• Operations - crime combating task groups
• Investigations - selected organized crime
• Tracing teams
• Recovery of arms
• Amnesty

Focus area 4

Identifying / linking recovered firearms to crimes or suspects:

Key elements

• Investigations - organized crime
• Firearm Investigation units
• Forensic & ballistic tests
• Fingerprints

Focus area 5

Prosecution of offenders:

Key elements

• Prosecution
• Sentences
• Declaration to be unfit to possess arms
• Forfeiture of arms

Focus area 6

Disposal of firearms and ammunition:

Key elements

• Seizure of arms
• Immediate destruction

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4. Crimes against women and children

Although certain crimes, specifically violent crimes against women and children, are also dealt with through the geographic approach and organized crime investigations, this phenomenon is so widespread that it demands a broader strategy and a concerted effort.

The strategy has been designed to conform to the regulatory framework set by international conventions and the Domestic Violence Act, which is one of the most important tools in this regard.

The approach is aimed at combating crime against women and children by vigorously implementing the prescripts of the Domestic Violence Act. This is augmented by victim empowerment and support programmes, and partnerships with relevant institutions such as the National Network on Violence Against Women, the Gender Commission and the Human Rights Commission.

Best practices developed to date (such as the intersectoral approach, crisis centres and awareness programmes) are being introduced in priority areas where these types of crimes are prevalent.

The capacity of special units is being enhanced to deal with cases of family violence, child abuse, and sexual abuse. The compilation of the DNA Database and its application to investigate these crimes enjoys high priority to ensure successful prosecution.

5. Improving integrity - dealing with corruption

Although the Organized Crime Strategy and the existing Anti- corruption units deal with corruption, the international approach of addressing service integrity both proactively and reactively is being adopted systematically.

Whilst the current repressive methods of dealing with corruption through intelligence, investigation and prosecution are being maintained, the integrated approach, as set out in the Organized Crime Strategy above, has been implemented to deal with corrupt officials involved in organized crime.

In addition to this, management information is being put into place by analysing the repressive environment, and loopholes in control measures and human integrity in order to determine the key risk areas.

Preventative measures are being implemented in two key areas:

Focus area 1

Organisational control measures:

Key elements

• Accountability
• Supervision / control
• Inspections / audits
• Systems / policies / procedures
• Asset control

Focus area 2

Human integrity:

Key elements

• Early warning system
• Vetting
• Code of Conduct
• Training
• Rewards / sanctions
• Service conditions
• Assistance - personal budgeting

These focus areas are being supplemented with the initiatives to establish an effective reporting system, witness protection (“whistle blowers”) system, and the creation of public awareness and communication projects.

2. Approach to organizational priorities

The approach adopted is one of focused support to the operational strategy of the police. All initiatives in the organizational environment will be managed through an integrated support strategy with the aim of rendering maximum support to the operational strategy to enable results in the shortest possible time.

Medium- to long-term strategies have been or are being developed for each of the organizational priorities. This is augmented by short-term strategies in support of the operational strategy, and will be reviewed continuously according to operational needs.

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