An exploration of the use of intelligence-led policing in combating cybercrimes in South Africa

Abstract

The study explores the use of Intelligence-Led Policing to combat cybercrime in South Africa through intensive literature and empirical research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the South African Police Service and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West provinces, to obtain their lived experiences on the use of Intelligence-Led Policing to combat cybercrime. The dynamics of cybercrime and its impact on the economy is dealt with, including the challenges in using Intelligence-Led Policing and specific factors that restrict the prevention, investigation and successful prosecution of cybercriminals. Indicating the value of Intelligence-Led Policing in policing operations and how such value could be used in the fight against cybercrime should the identified challenges that affect the effective and efficient use of this policing approach be addressed. Specific recommendations are made on the conceptual implementation of Intelligence-Led Policing, and misconceptions on the use of Intelligence-Led Policing, the expiration of investigating licences of cybercrime investigators as well as the reluctance of some cybercrime victims to testify, in an attempt to protect the reputation of their companies.