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Hawks Celebrate Successes in High-Profile Criminal Cases with Record Arrests and Convictions

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has made significant strides in addressing high-profile criminal cases, with remarkable successes in arresting suspects and securing convictions, according to the Hawks’ National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.
During the recent reporting period, the Hawks secured a total of 1,452 suspects who were brought before courts across South Africa. This total includes 1,409 individuals and 43 corporate entities.
Also read: Hawks Investigate Matric Results Leak: Johannesburg Man Arrested
Out of the total arrests, 451 were South African nationals, while 958 were foreign nationals. The arrests targeted individuals involved in a wide range of serious criminal activities, including corruption, organized crime, commercial crime (fraud, theft, money laundering, and cybercrime), police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, kidnappings, state capture, illegal mining, and drug trafficking.
The highest number of arrests occurred in the North West province, where 919 suspects were apprehended. This was followed by Gauteng with 116 arrests, KwaZulu-Natal with 106, Mpumalanga with 67, and the Western Cape with 57 arrests.
A notable part of these arrests stemmed from Operation Vala Umgodi, which focused on illegal mining activities in Stilfontein, where 854 cases were allocated. In addition, organized crime operations, such as Tarantula and Grumpyface, led to 21 further arrests.
As part of the crackdown on criminal activities, the Hawks seized 86 firearms and 3,617 rounds of ammunition during their operations. They also dismantled three clandestine drug laboratories, involving R37,713,500, resulting in four arrests.
“These arrests and operations demonstrate our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that those involved face justice,” Lebeya said.
In addition to the significant arrests, the Hawks successfully secured 202 convictions, including 186 individuals and 16 corporate entities. This reflects the growing effectiveness of the department in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) also played a crucial role by securing 96 freezing and forfeiture orders, amounting to R55 million. Additionally, over R2 million has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA), demonstrating the Hawks’ efforts to recover proceeds from criminal activities.
The Hawks’ progress in high-profile criminal cases highlights the ongoing battle against corruption, organized crime, and other serious offenses in South Africa. With continued efforts in arresting perpetrators, securing convictions, and recovering illicit assets, the Hawks remain committed to keeping South Africa safe.
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