Prosecuting authority targets syndicate leaders and network controllers
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is escalating its campaign against organised crime by redirecting resources towards the masterminds behind criminal enterprises rather than low-level operatives. Advocate Andy Mothibi, the newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), revealed the strategic shift during his inaugural media briefing on Thursday, weeks after assuming the role.
Mothibi stressed that organised crime poses an existential danger to the country's democratic institutions and economic stability, particularly when criminal networks set their sights on vital infrastructure spanning energy, rail, water and telecommunications sectors.
"We are determined not to spend all our time prosecuting foot-soldiers; we are increasingly using financial investigation, digital forensics and intelligence-driven operations to identify and pursue the kingpins who direct these networks."
The NDPP cautioned that individuals embedded within state structures continue to represent the government's "Achilles' heel" in the battle against organised crime and corruption. He confirmed that the NPA's organised crime strategy, finalised on 13 August 2024, is now being rolled out with greater urgency to deliver measurable results through stronger partnerships and more effective application of existing legislation.
Central to the prosecuting body's approach is the deployment of racketeering provisions under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) to pursue syndicate bosses, money laundering networks and professional enablers — including accountants, lawyers and intermediaries who facilitate criminal enterprises. A dedicated Firearms Desk has also been established to strengthen coordination against illegal weapons, which Mothibi identified as the primary tools fuelling gang violence, cash-in-transit robberies and extortion rackets across the country.
Asset recovery and state capture prosecutions gain momentum
The NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has dramatically stepped up its operations, securing 2 397 freezing orders valued at R13.8 billion and 3 220 confiscation and forfeiture orders worth R13 billion. Some R6.5 billion has been recovered since the conclusion of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mutual evaluation process in November 2019. On the international front, South Africa will participate in Interpol's Silver Notice Pilot programme alongside continued use of Red Notices to track down fugitives and trace assets abroad.
Money laundering prosecutions have also intensified, with 292 cases currently before the courts involving more than 400 charges, and a further 97 new prosecutions launched between April 2025 and January 2026. The current financial year has produced 91 verdicts, compared with 122 and 87 in the two preceding years.
Regarding State Capture matters stemming from the Zondo Commission's findings, the AFU has restrained and preserved over R14 billion in related assets and recovered approximately R6.26 billion to date. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) is handling 134 of the Commission's 218 recommendations, with 39 active cases arising from them. Mothibi pointed to the recent conviction and sentencing of former Parliamentarian Vincent Smith in connection with the Bosasa scandal as a landmark result.
"South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that is prosecuting former ministers, senior officials, chief executives and multinational companies for serious corruption – and we are seeing tangible financial returns through asset recovery and corporate settlements."
The NDPP highlighted the Digital Evidence Unit (DEU) as a transformative capability for IDAC, enabling prosecutors to process vast volumes of electronic data inherited from the State Capture Commission. Currently handling 13 matters, the unit allows the directorate to operate with greater speed and sophistication in complex digital forensics investigations.
While acknowledging that South Africans are "rightly impatient for more visible accountability", Mothibi maintained that the NPA has been fundamentally reconstructed following years of institutional damage during the state capture era. He noted that conviction rates remain strong, high-impact prosecutions are advancing, and billions have been clawed back for the public purse.
"We therefore renew our pledge to prosecute without fear, favour or prejudice, to protect the vulnerable, to safeguard our critical infrastructure and economy, and to do so in a way that honours the Constitution, strengthens the rule of law and meets public expectations."
