The Hawks Major Crimes Unit achieves key achievements: 818 arrests and 301 convictions in the second quarter of 2024/25

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By Nkosana Khumalo

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, is ramping up its crime-fighting efforts across South Africa. During a media briefing, Lt Gen Lebeya outlined the DPCI’s achievements in the second quarter and highlighted the Hawks’ determination to pursue justice “without fear, favor or prejudice”.

During the quarter, the Hawks arrested 818 suspects involved in serious crimes, including corruption, organized crime and white-collar crime. These arrests led to the seizure of over 84 firearms and 2,049 rounds of ammunition, as well as the dismantling of seven clandestine drug laboratories worth more than R17 million. Most arrests took place in Gauteng, the North West and KwaZulu-Natal, indicating that these areas are significant crime hotspots.

Convictions were obtained against 301 people, with the serious organized crime investigation unit alone securing 143 of them. The “Serious Economic Crime Investigation” and “Serious Corruption Investigation” departments also made significant contributions and secured 120 and 22 convictions, respectively.

The report also highlights successes in combating cash in transit (CIT) crime. During the quarter, 115 suspects involved in CIT crimes were arrested. High-profile cases included long prison sentences for people involved in cash heists. Some received life sentences, others were sentenced to hundreds of years in prison.

Lebeya pointed to the Hawks’ progress in asset recovery. 75 freezing and confiscation orders were issued, totaling over R72 million. These efforts underscore DPCI’s commitment to ensuring crime doesn’t pay. The Hawks deposited more than R8 million into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account during this period.

The Hawks are currently handling nearly 20,000 cases with over 750,000 charges. These cases cover a range of national priority crimes, from police killings to drug trafficking and environmental crimes.

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