Mothibi Calls For Stronger Anti-Corruption And Organised Crime Efforts
National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi has called for stronger cooperation between government, business and professional bodies to counter corruption, fraud and organised crime.
Mothibi made the call while addressing delegates at the 19th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition on Monday, where he stressed the importance of ethical leadership, institutional integrity and effective internal controls in preventing corruption.
He said robust risk-management systems are particularly important in identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminal networks, including within state-owned entities and other institutions.
“Efforts is being made at a leadership level, ethical leadership, integrity in leading, but of course, the control environment,” Mothibi said.
Professionals Have Role In Identifying Weaknesses
Mothibi highlighted the role of auditors, risk managers and other professionals in identifying weaknesses within organisations that could be exploited by criminal networks.
Drawing on his previous experience at the Special Investigating Unit, he said officials had been able to identify methods and collusive practices allegedly used by corrupt networks.
He said combating corruption should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of law-enforcement agencies, arguing that other sectors have an important role to play in preventing and identifying misconduct.
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Mothibi referred to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which promotes a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to tackling corruption.
He urged stakeholders to maintain cooperation aimed at strengthening public institutions and improving their ability to withstand corruption-related risks.
Organised Crime Requires Greater Coordination
Mothibi also addressed the threat posed by organised crime, saying the National Anti-Organized Crime Strategy was receiving increased attention as criminal networks continued to pose a threat to the country.
He said law-enforcement agencies were intensifying crime-intelligence and investigative activities, including operations targeting illicit laboratories.
According to Mothibi, closer coordination between agencies and greater use of professional expertise could help improve investigations and strengthen prosecutions involving organised criminal groups.
Corruption Extends Beyond Criminal Justice
Mothibi cautioned against viewing corruption exclusively through the lens of criminal justice, saying its consequences extend into the broader functioning of society.
He said corruption can divert public resources, weaken institutions, affect service delivery and erode public confidence in democratic governance.
With local government elections approaching, Mothibi said citizens would ultimately assess government according to its ability to provide basic services, including infrastructure and water.
His remarks placed institutional controls, professional expertise and cooperation across sectors at the centre of efforts to address corruption and organised crime.
