Corruption, a breakdown in law enforcement, and a lack of strong leadership are contributing factors to transnational criminals finding sanctuary in South Africa, according to an expert. Willem Els, a senior training coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies, emphasized that South Africa is becoming increasingly lawless due to a lack of political determination to enforce the rule of law.
Els explained that despite having numerous legislations and laws in place, the country lacks the capacity to effectively enforce them. The presence of corruption further entices international criminals to seek refuge in South Africa, as they perceive a lack of consequences and fear for extradition or apprehension. The current state of law enforcement in the country has created loopholes that criminals exploit, drawing them to South Africa.
In a recent incident, Bulgarian national Krasimir Nikolaev Kamenov, a wanted criminal, was killed in Constantia, along with two females and one male. Kamenov had been accused of killing a police officer and was allegedly involved in a plot to discredit senior magistrates. Els highlighted that the effectiveness of international alerts, such as red notices issued by Interpol, depends on the response of authorities in countries where the alerts are distributed.
Els criticized South African authorities for their failure to apprehend wanted criminals, stating that the country's weak Interpol communication and collaboration with local police hinder effective law enforcement. He stressed the importance of strong local actors in combating transnational crime and expressed concerns about the weaknesses in South Africa's systems, which allow criminals to thrive.
In another recent development, a wanted Rwandan fugitive, Fulgence Kayishema, was arrested in Paarl, Western Cape, after evading capture since 2002. Kayishema is wanted in connection with the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Els noted that Kayishema and Kamenov are just a few examples of wanted criminals who have managed to evade the law in South Africa, often with the assistance of authorities.
Additionally, Interpol extradited Ruth Sharon Lawrence, a 42-year-old Irish fugitive, back to her home country to face double murder charges. Lawrence had fled Ireland with her ex-fiancé following the murder of two individuals. These cases highlight the weaknesses in South Africa's systems, allowing criminals to find refuge and evade justice.
Overall, the combination of corruption, a breakdown in law enforcement, and weak systems in South Africa has created an environment where transnational criminals see an opportunity to evade capture and thrive. Addressing these issues and strengthening law enforcement efforts is crucial to combatting transnational crime and ensuring the rule of law in the country.
