The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is pushing for stronger cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks amid concerns over the small number of corruption cases that progress to registered criminal dockets.
The SIU says it has referred 5,944 cases to the prosecuting authority since 2011. However, only around 10% of those referrals have resulted in registered criminal dockets, raising concerns about the country’s ability to turn lengthy corruption investigations into successful prosecutions.
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the issue was discussed during a joint presentation to Parliament on Tuesday, where the three law-enforcement agencies were able to outline their respective challenges and identify points where cases were being delayed.
“On Tuesday, we did indicate the correct amount, which is 5,944 cases since 2011 that have been referred to the prosecuting authority,” Makgotho said.
He said the engagement provided the institutions with an opportunity to better understand one another’s challenges and determine where cases were failing to make progress.
The SIU presented the scale of its referrals over the past 15 years, while the NPA and Hawks outlined some of the difficulties they face when taking cases forward.
As part of efforts to improve cooperation, the three institutions have agreed to establish joint working teams that will meet monthly.
The teams will monitor the progress of cases, identify blockages and ensure that matters requiring urgent attention are prioritised.
Makgotho said several agreements and mechanisms already exist between the organisations, but there is now a need to strengthen and formalise these arrangements to ensure more consistent cooperation.
“For us, 5,000 is a lot. It’s a lot,” he said, highlighting the concern that only about 10% of the referrals have resulted in registered criminal dockets.
The new monthly working teams are expected to allow the SIU, NPA and Hawks to compare their assessments of cases, track developments and address obstacles before investigations lose momentum.
The initiative is aimed at improving coordination between the three institutions and increasing the number of corruption matters that progress from investigation and referral to criminal prosecution.