Mothibi says the infiltration of organized crime has exposed significant weaknesses in the country's criminal justice system.
NDPP was speaking during an anti-corruption webinar organized by the Institute for Security Studies and the Special Investigating Unit on Friday.
He said the scale of organized crime has forced the government to take extraordinary measures, including the deployment of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) to combat illegal mining and gangsterism in five provinces.
According to Mothibi, the move highlights the reality that law enforcement agencies are ill-equipped to deal with the growing threat.
He said, “As organized crime is on the rise, we had to bring in the SANDF as directed by the President. The fact that the public has welcomed it shows the seriousness of the situation.”
Mothibi warned that failure to act decisively could allow organized crime to destabilize the state.
He said that although the deployment of the SANDF may provide temporary relief, it underlines the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies.
“We need to enable, skill and prepare our institutions so that when the defense forces are withdrawn, we are able to sustain crime prevention efforts,” he said.
Mothibi identified crime intelligence and investigative capacity as key areas requiring immediate attention. Strengthening these functions will help authorities detect threats early and ensure effective investigations, he said.
He also stressed the importance of prosecutor-led investigations and said this approach has proven effective in ensuring arrests and building strong cases.
“Delays in the justice system undermine public trust. It is important that cases are properly prepared and presented in court to ensure a successful outcome,” he said.
Mothibi particularly highlighted the need to focus on preventive measures in combating corruption, which he described as a form of organized crime with the potential to significantly weaken the state.
He said organized crime takes many forms, including violent crime, extortion and attacks on infrastructure, and requires a coordinated response involving both the government and the public.
“The culture of impunity that we have seen for years must be addressed decisively,” he said.
Mothibi said progress was being made through the implementation of the recommendations of various commissions of inquiry, but stressed that continued action was needed.
He also described asset confiscation as an important tool in dismantling criminal networks.
“By removing illegally acquired assets, we weaken the ability of criminal groups to finance their operations and challenge the state,” he said.
Mothibi stressed that continued implementation of anti-corruption and crime-fighting measures will be key to reversing the current trend.
“The failure to act decisively in the past has contributed to where we are today. Now we must ensure consistent and effective compliance,” he said.
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