POLICE Minister Bheki Cele says the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has embarked on a recruitment drive to address insufficient cybercrime investigations.
Cele revealed this when he was responding to parliamentary questions from National Freedom Party MP Mzwakhe Sibisi, who asked whether Cele had found that his department had sufficient capacity to deal with the investigations into the violence and looting that took place in July.
Sibisi also enquired about steps the minister has taken and the reasons that the real perpetrators and masterminds behind the July unrest have not yet been identified or arrested.
In his response, Cele indicated that the capacity to investigate the criminal cases linked to the violence and looting is available, but it was not sufficient.
He said the investigation capacities included members specialising in serious and violent crimes and also members specialising in cybercrime related investigative support.
However, Cele said cybercrime has evolved into a distinctive and sophisticated phenomenon, which necessitated a highly skilled and specialised law enforcement response.
“The cybercrime investigation capacity, within DPCI, is not sufficient to address this anomaly. The DPCI has embarked on a recruitment and selection process,” he said.
“The insufficient capacity within the DPCI is not only limited to human capital but extends to the required investigation information technology tools.”
Up to date the SAPS and DPCI have secured the attendance of 18 accused persons for prosecution,” he said.
“The cases are currently before the court and the court will pronounce on its findings. If the findings are that of convictions, sanctions will be meted out. The investigations are ongoing and the possibility of additional arrests is not ruled out,” Cele said.
Source: News365
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