South African intelligence warns of mafia-like networks
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SABC News
Acting National Intelligence Coordinating Committee coordinator Ntandazo Sifolo has warned of the infiltration of mafia-like criminal networks into South African law enforcement. He said weaknesses in the security apparatus are fuelling corruption and organised crime, according to SABC News.
Ntandazo Sifolo, acting coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC), warned on Thursday 12 November 2026 of the growth of mafia-like criminal networks linked to corruption and the infiltration of law enforcement structures in South Africa. He was testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on intelligence assessments concerning organised crime, political killings, corruption and threats to national security, according to SABC News.
Sifolo also raised the involvement of law enforcement members in organised criminal activities, including cash-in-transit heists, robberies, illegal mining, migrant smuggling and smuggling, SABC News reports. He said the weakness of the state security apparatus reduced its ability to prevent and punish these activities.
The NICOC official also reported the expansion of the private security sector into functions legally reserved for public law enforcement agencies, according to SABC News. He said intelligence assessments indicated a dysfunction in the security apparatus that weakens efforts against crime and corruption.
