Cabinet Applauds Major Crime Busts and Supports Enhanced Law Enforcement Efforts

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized on Thursday that this arrest highlights the government’s commitment to tackling organized crime with determination.

Cabinet has praised the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect believed to be a leading figure in a kidnapping-for-ransom syndicate targeting businesspeople in South Africa. The suspect is also suspected to be involved in the recent seizure of R300 million worth of crystal meth in Fourways and Bruma, Johannesburg.

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized on Thursday that this arrest highlights the government’s commitment to tackling organized crime with determination.

“This arrest underscores government’s commitment to decisively deal with organised crime,” Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet media briefing.

Cabinet has also endorsed the deployment of multidisciplinary law enforcement teams to address the high crime rates in the Eastern Cape. These teams consist of anti-organized crime units, specialized operations, and intelligence operatives.

“Cabinet reiterated to law enforcement that communities cannot be held ransom by criminals,” the Minister added.

Additionally, Cabinet welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) recent arrest of a suspect at the Lebombo Port of Entry to Mozambique, who was found in possession of 34 passports. This action is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and uphold border controls and immigration laws.

“Fighting crime remains a shared responsibility between the police, communities, and all sectors, and Cabinet continues to urge citizens to work with law enforcement agencies to combat crime in our communities,” Ntshavheni stated.

Cabinet also noted the upcoming pre-release calendar for the quarterly publication of the 2024-25 crime statistics, set for August and November 2024, and February and May 2025.

Ntshavheni highlighted the importance of regularly releasing crime statistics for monitoring trends and improving decision-making in the fight against crime.