The recent burglaries at key installations within the justice, crime prevention and security cluster point to gaps in security measures, the chairman of Parliament’s portfolio committee on police said on Monday.
“It’s critically important that there should be the necessary security measures at key installations within the justice and security cluster. This is non-negotiable,” said Francois Beukman following the overnight break-in at the Gauteng North directorate for public prosecutions in Pretoria.
“It think the recent break-ins indicate that there is indeed certain lacunas in the application of security measures. There should be the necessary steps take by accounting officers to step up security so there’s confidence from the public that confidential information will be held securely.”
The burglary came less than a week after the headquarters of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, was broken into. The financial information, supply-chain management and human resources files were stolen during this break-in.
Beukman says the acting head of the Hawks, Yolisa Matakata, will be called before the committee on August 4 for a full briefing and report back on the burglary.
“With relation to the DPCI, it’s a huge concern for the portfolio committee because the DPCI is tasked with investigating serious and organised crime. There should be extraordinary measures in place to ensure that there can’t be break-ins or any attempts to obtain information illegally,” said Beukman.
“We will also want assurance that countrywide there’s efforts to ensure DPCI offices are properly secured to ensure there won’t be a repeat of what happened last week.”
The two latest burglaries follows similar break-ins at the office of the chief justice where computers containing the employment information of judges and other staff were stolen.
The alleged mastermind behind the burglary was arrested in March and released on R5 000 bail. During court proceedings, Nkosinathi Msimango claimed he has no knowledge of the break-in.
Beukman said while he can’t comment on police operational matters, the nature of the break-ins point to serious security breaches.
“It is a concern that there is a pattern emerging and therefore its important there should be a breakthrough to ensure the culprits are brought to book.”