PUTTING PAID TO THE UNTOUCHABLES?

This research paper analyzes the potential negative impacts of dissolving the Directorate of Specialised Operations (DSO) and the Specialised Commercial Crime Units (SCCU) in South Africa. The author argues that the integrated, project-based model of these units—which co-locates prosecutors, investigators, and analysts—is superior to traditional law enforcement for combating complex transnational organized crime and corruption. The paper expresses concern that transferring these functions to the South African Police Service (SAPS) under the proposed Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) will lead to a loss of functional independence, a dilution of proactive investigative mandates, and a disruption of specialized skill sets.

• The DSO and SCCU utilized an integrated project-based model that co-located prosecutors, investigators, and analysts, which proved highly effective for complex crimes. By 2007, the SCCU achieved a conviction rate exceeding 94% across 1,400 cases, while the DSO maintained a conviction rate between 80-90% across 1,500 cases.
• The DSO's investigations significantly contributed to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account, resulting in the seizure of R5 billion in contraband and the civil forfeiture of R1.5 billion in coordination with the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
• Economic crime and corruption pose a severe threat to the South African economy; the IMF estimates these crimes may strip 0.5-1% of annual economic growth. In 2007, 72% of South African businesses were victims of economic crime, with 38% specifically reporting bribery and corruption.
• The General Law Amendment Bill of 2008 proposes transferring DSO functions to the South African Police Service (SAPS) via the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). This move is expected to remove the functional independence the DSO previously held, as the DPCI will be under the control of the National Commissioner of Police.
• The proposed DPCI mandate is viewed as diluted and outdated because it focuses on traditional 'mafia-style' structured crime and removes the ability to proactively investigate cases, which is essential for disrupting evolving criminal networks.
• The transition to SAPS may cause a brain drain of specialized personnel due to salary discrepancies, lack of clear career paths for detectives, and the potential for high-ranking DSO members to be moved into administrative rather than investigative roles.
• The author suggests a 'third way' model based on the United Kingdom's Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which is a non-departmental public body reporting to an independent board and combining intelligence, enforcement, and prosecution skills.

APA

Wannenburg, G. (2008). PUTTING PAID TO THE UNTOUCHABLES? Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2008-sacq-24/01-jun-2008-putting-paid-to-the-untouchables-the-effect-of-dissolving-the-directorate-of-special-operations-and-the-specialised-commercial-crime-uni

Chicago

Wannenburg, Gail. PUTTING PAID TO THE UNTOUCHABLES? Institute for Security Studies, 2008. https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2008-sacq-24/01-jun-2008-putting-paid-to-the-untouchables-the-effect-of-dissolving-the-directorate-of-special-operations-and-the-specialised-commercial-crime-uni.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Wannenburg |first1=Gail |title=PUTTING PAID TO THE UNTOUCHABLES? |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=June 2008 |url=https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2008-sacq-24/01-jun-2008-putting-paid-to-the-untouchables-the-effect-of-dissolving-the-directorate-of-special-operations-and-the-specialised-commercial-crime-uni |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wannenburg2008putting, author = {Wannenburg, Gail}, title = {{PUTTING PAID TO THE UNTOUCHABLES?}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2008}, month = jun, url = {https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2008-sacq-24/01-jun-2008-putting-paid-to-the-untouchables-the-effect-of-dissolving-the-directorate-of-special-operations-and-the-specialised-commercial-crime-uni}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }