Security gaps a concern

Burglaries at key installations show that necessary measures are ‘non-negotiable’

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.

“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, speaking to the African News Agency via telephone 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 (gaps) in the application of security measures. There should be the necessary steps taken 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.

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 there can’t be break-ins or any attempts to obtain information illegally,” said Beukman.

“We want assurances that countrywide there are efforts to ensure DPCI offices are properly secured so 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 had no knowledge of the break-in.

Beukman said the nature of the breakins point to serious security breaches.

“It is a concern that there is a pattern emerging and therefore it is important there should be a breakthrough to ensure the culprits are brought to book.” – ANA

IT’S A CONCERN A PATTERN IS EMERGING AND IT’S IMPORTANT THERE SHOULD BE A BREAKTHROUGH IN BRINGING CULPRITS TO BOOK