Organs of state security and mine security forces will come together later this month to forge stronger partnerships and to collaborate on intelligence and forensic and prosecution measures within the mining sector. The aim of this endeavor is to adopt new age techniques to combat crimes against the mining sector. The planned 2-day conference/workshop will be taking place at the Indaba Hotel on 29 and 30 October.
“Security is more scientific and strategic than ever before with modern technologies playing a critical role,” says organiser, Ankia Roux, Pinpoint Stewards. “At the Mine Security conference earlier this year a need for strengthened skills and resources was identified to bring criminals to task. We therefore invited key experts driving state prosecutions to share their know-how with industry and to create a platform where they could join forces against a common enemy.”
Roux explains, “Mine security stakeholders and organs of state are not only ‘in it’ to protect their gates and product but wish to support and strengthen society as a whole. Therefore, top crime prevention units will share their expertise with industry and interchange ideas at this two day workshop to implement measures to combat organised crime and in time diminish the effect thereof.”
The Financial data connection
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) will facilitate a practical session led by expert Pieter Alberts on “Shared Forensic Capability”. He will look at ways to leverage financial intelligence and forensics to support investigations and prosecutions in the mining industry. Delegates will gain a comprehensive understanding of how financial intelligence is gathered and utilised to combat financial crime, including illicit mining. Alberts will also look at skills to improve forensic investigations with examples of related cases. The above will be linked back to strengthen legal and prosecution capabilities by equipping delegates with the knowledge of the legal frameworks and prosecution strategies necessary to convert financial intelligence into evidence while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to introduce best practices for using data to stay ahead of financial crimes.
The law
Advocate Nqobile Maphalala, senior state advocate, Organised Crime Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), will focus her session on legislation relating to prosecution and “knowing your legal grounds”. Maphalala will hone in on the pitfalls to avoid in investigations to ensure a stronger case and the correct use of intelligence while ensuring compliance measures are followed. In turn Advocate Elize Le Roux, senior state advocate, Gauteng Local Division, NPA, has made herself available for a trouble shooting session relating to cross border investigations and international markets driving smuggling networks.
Organised crime investigations
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) will give their perspective on money laundering and financial investigations. Major General EL Makwela, component head: Forensic Accounting Investigation – the youngest person to be appointed at the rank of major general within the SAPS, will tackle the topic. Major General HF Flynn, component head: Serious Organised Crime Investigation, will address the nexus between intelligence, forensic investigation and a successful prosecution. Major General Flynn has more than 36 years of service with 35 of those years in the investigation of serious organised crime.
Willem Els, senior training coordinator, ENACT Programme: Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria currently partnering with Interpol, Lyon and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, will address the threat of illegal explosives and accessories used by organised crime syndicates in the region and ways to mitigate economic losses to the economic sector and mining houses. He has 28 years of experience in the SAPS, 23 of which were experienced as bomb technicians and inspectors of explosives.
Brigadier NM (Tummi) Masondo, section head: Organised Crime Analysis Intelligence Analysis & Coordination Crime Intelligence in SAPS will discuss crime intelligence gathering looking at how crime mapping, linkage analysis and assessment can assist crime prevention.
An open forum- and brainstorming session will ensure further deliberation between stakeholders in attendance, to the advantage of all in South Africa.
Book online www.pinpointstewards.co.za or email info@pinpointstewards.co.za for more info or to request to join a closed Mine Security Network SA group on LinkedIn.
Source: Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards