No data available for the deliverable: Addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT).
Summary
Comprehensive reforms to close gaps in South Africa’s AML/CFT regime, including legislative updates, enhanced supervision, improved investigations/prosecutions, and international cooperation. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
Yes, all 22 FATF action items completed as of June 2025. Key outcomes: Legislation: AML/CFT laws updated (e.g., General Laws Amendment Bill).Supervision: FSCA/FIC/PA capacity strengthened; sanctions applied for non-compliance. Enforcement: High-profile ML/TF prosecutions (e.g., state capture cases, TF asset freezes). Systems: BO registries and financial intelligence systems fully functional. FATF recognition: FATF confirmed SA’s compliance and approved an on-site assessment for delisting.
Actions
Legislative reforms: Amendments to FIC Act, Companies Act, NPO Act, and POCDATARA to align with FATF standards. Beneficial ownership (BO) registries: CIPC and Master’s Office BO systems operational; sanctions for non-compliance. Supervisory upgrades: Risk-based AML/CFT supervision for banks, insurers, DNFBPs, and NPOs. Law enforcement: Sustained increase in complex ML/TF investigations, asset seizures, and prosecutions (NPA, SAPS, DPCI).International cooperation: Enhanced MLA requests, cross-border enforcement, and FATF reporting. Public-private collaboration: Training, awareness programmes, and sectoral guidance
Are there plans?
Yes – Multi-year FATF Action Plan (22 items) adopted, with phased deadlines and inter-agency coordination.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes – Top national priority since grey listing in February 2023.
Goals
Address deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT) with the aim of exiting the grey list, which will reduce compliance costs, restore correspondent banking and boost investor confidence.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
Comprehensive reforms to close gaps in South Africa’s AML/CFT regime, including legislative updates, enhanced supervision, improved investigations/prosecutions, and international cooperation. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
Yes, all 22 FATF action items completed as of June 2025. Key outcomes: Legislation: AML/CFT laws updated (e.g., General Laws Amendment Bill).Supervision: FSCA/FIC/PA capacity strengthened; sanctions applied for non-compliance. Enforcement: High-profile ML/TF prosecutions (e.g., state capture cases, TF asset freezes). Systems: BO registries and financial intelligence systems fully functional. FATF recognition: FATF confirmed SA’s compliance and approved an on-site assessment for delisting.
Actions
Legislative reforms: Amendments to FIC Act, Companies Act, NPO Act, and POCDATARA to align with FATF standards. Beneficial ownership (BO) registries: CIPC and Master’s Office BO systems operational; sanctions for non-compliance. Supervisory upgrades: Risk-based AML/CFT supervision for banks, insurers, DNFBPs, and NPOs. Law enforcement: Sustained increase in complex ML/TF investigations, asset seizures, and prosecutions (NPA, SAPS, DPCI).International cooperation: Enhanced MLA requests, cross-border enforcement, and FATF reporting. Public-private collaboration: Training, awareness programmes, and sectoral guidance
Are there plans?
Yes – Multi-year FATF Action Plan (22 items) adopted, with phased deadlines and inter-agency coordination.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes – Top national priority since grey listing in February 2023.
Goals
Address deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT) with the aim of exiting the grey list, which will reduce compliance costs, restore correspondent banking and boost investor confidence.
Departments / Govt Institutions
No data available for the deliverable: Addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT).
No data available for the deliverable: Addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT).
No data available for the deliverable: Addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT).
No data available for the deliverable: Addressing deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating terrorist financing (CFT).
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The FATF’s recent upgrades indicate that the NPA’s enhanced institutional capacity and training have led to measurable progress, as seen in an increase in successful prosecutions of financial crime cases. This underscores the initial effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. To meet the FATF’s full requirements, the NPA will need to demonstrate a sustained increase in successful prosecutions, especially in complex and high-risk cases that involve cross-border elements. This will require consistent application of newly acquired skills and close coordination with SAPS to support ongoing investigations effectively. The FATF has stressed the importance of timely and proportionate prosecutions for compliance. Therefore, the NPA will need to ensure that cases are pursued rigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, reflecting the full weight of South Africa’s AML/CFT framework.
Actions
The NPA’s training initiatives focus on enhancing prosecutors' skills in financial crime investigation, forensic analysis and legal procedures related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) cases. This includes equipping prosecutors to interpret and utilise data from financial intelligence reports generated by the Financial Intelligence Centre. The government is implementing specialised AML/CFT training sessions that cover prosecutorial strategies for handling complex ML and TF cases, with a focus on cross-border and high-risk sectors. The NPA is also increasing its collaboration with the SAPS and the FIC to streamline case-building and facilitate timely and effective prosecutions. This cross-agency training and cooperation are intended to ensure that the NPA is fully prepared to support comprehensive AML/CFT enforcement actions.
Are there plans?
As noted in its 2020-25 strategic plan report, the NPA is focused on restoring credibility, enhancing organisational capacity and modernising operations. This includes strengthening leadership through the Investigating Directorate (ID) to prioritise complex corruption cases, building internal capacity via specialised training, and addressing high vacancy rates. The NPA is also advancing its technological infrastructure with the gradual implementation of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to streamline case flow.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes. This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve the effectiveness of the investigative capacity of The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
The FATF’s recent upgrades indicate that the NPA’s enhanced institutional capacity and training have led to measurable progress, as seen in an increase in successful prosecutions of financial crime cases. This underscores the initial effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. To meet the FATF’s full requirements, the NPA will need to demonstrate a sustained increase in successful prosecutions, especially in complex and high-risk cases that involve cross-border elements. This will require consistent application of newly acquired skills and close coordination with SAPS to support ongoing investigations effectively. FATF has stressed the importance of timely and proportionate prosecutions for compliance. Therefore, the NPA will need to ensure that cases are pursued rigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, reflecting the full weight of South Africa’s AML/CFT framework. FATF upgraded this in Feb 2025; NPA capacity improved.
Actions
The NPA’s training initiatives focus on enhancing prosecutors' skills in financial crime investigation, forensic analysis and legal procedures related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) cases. This includes equipping prosecutors to interpret and utilise data from financial intelligence reports generated by the Financial Intelligence Centre. The government is implementing specialised AML/CFT training sessions that cover prosecutorial strategies for handling complex ML and TF cases, with a focus on cross-border and high-risk sectors. The NPA is also increasing its collaboration with the SAPS and the FIC to streamline case-building and facilitate timely and effective prosecutions. This cross-agency training and cooperation are intended to ensure that the NPA is fully prepared to support comprehensive AML/CFT enforcement actions.
Are there plans?
As noted in its 2020-25 strategic plan report, the NPA is focused on restoring credibility, enhancing organisational capacity and modernising operations. This includes strengthening leadership through the Investigating Directorate (ID) to prioritise complex corruption cases, building internal capacity via specialised training, and addressing high vacancy rates. The NPA is also advancing its technological infrastructure with the gradual implementation of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to streamline case flow.
Is it on the agenda?
Part of the FATF reforms, this issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve the effectiveness of the investigative capacity of The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, who can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
The FATF’s recent upgrades indicate that the NPA’s enhanced institutional capacity and training have led to measurable progress, as seen in an increase in successful prosecutions of financial crime cases. This underscores the initial effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. To meet the FATF’s full requirements, the NPA will need to demonstrate a sustained increase in successful prosecutions, especially in complex and high-risk cases that involve cross-border elements. This will require consistent application of newly acquired skills and close coordination with SAPS to support ongoing investigations effectively. FATF has stressed the importance of timely and proportionate prosecutions for compliance. Therefore, the NPA will need to ensure that cases are pursued rigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, reflecting the full weight of South Africa’s AML/CFT framework. FATF upgraded this in Feb 2025; NPA capacity improved.
Actions
The NPA’s training initiatives focus on enhancing prosecutors' skills in financial crime investigation, forensic analysis and legal procedures related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) cases. This includes equipping prosecutors to interpret and utilise data from financial intelligence reports generated by the Financial Intelligence Centre. The government is implementing specialised AML/CFT training sessions that cover prosecutorial strategies for handling complex ML and TF cases, with a focus on cross-border and high-risk sectors. The NPA is also increasing its collaboration with the SAPS and the FIC to streamline case-building and facilitate timely and effective prosecutions. This cross-agency training and cooperation are intended to ensure that the NPA is fully prepared to support comprehensive AML/CFT enforcement actions.
Are there plans?
As noted in its 2020-25 strategic plan report, the NPA is focused on restoring credibility, enhancing organisational capacity and modernising operations. This includes strengthening leadership through the Investigating Directorate (ID) to prioritise complex corruption cases, building internal capacity via specialised training, and addressing high vacancy rates. The NPA is also advancing its technological infrastructure with the gradual implementation of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to streamline case flow.
Is it on the agenda?
Part of the FATF reforms, this issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve the effectiveness of the investigative capacity of The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, who can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
Historically a challenging area with the NPA continuing to be too slow to increase staff particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the NPA continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests; consequently the primary weakness is the capacity and capabilities of the NPA to investigate and build cases directly focused on ML/TF crimes.
Actions
In line with implementing the stated plans - training, personnel and financial resources must be achieved by May 2024 and POCDATARA requirements must be achieved by September 2024. In the 2024 national budget, government raised the fund allocations to the Department of Justice for the NPA to increase its capacity to address ML/TF concerns.
Are there plans?
Led by the FIC (under the auspices of the Anti-Corruption Task Team) (ACTI) - the NPA, DPCI and SARS are collaborating on a joint project to confiscate criminal proceeds. The law enforcement agencies will use existing asset recovery legislation to secure appropriate orders issued by the courts.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes. This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
Historically a challenging area with the NPA continuing to be too slow to employ more staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the NPA continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests; consequently the primary weakness is the capacity and capabilities of the NPA to investigate and build cases directly focused on ML/TF crimes.
Actions
In line with implementing the stated plans - training, personnel and financial resources requirements should have been achieved by May 2024 and POCDATARA requirements must be achieved by September 2024. In the 2024 national budget, government raised the fund allocations to the Department of Justice for the NPA to increase its capacity to address ML/TF concerns.
Are there plans?
Led by the FIC (under the auspices of the Anti-Corruption Task Team) (ACTI) - the NPA, DPCI and SARS are collaborating on a joint project to confiscate criminal proceeds. The law enforcement agencies will use existing asset recovery legislation to secure appropriate orders issued by the courts.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes. This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The FATF’s recent upgrades indicate that the NPA’s enhanced institutional capacity and training have led to measurable progress, as seen in an increase in successful prosecutions of financial crime cases. This underscores the initial effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. To meet the FATF’s full requirements, the NPA will need to demonstrate a sustained increase in successful prosecutions, especially in complex and high-risk cases that involve cross-border elements. This will require consistent application of newly acquired skills and close coordination with SAPS to support ongoing investigations effectively. The FATF has stressed the importance of timely and proportionate prosecutions for compliance. Therefore, the NPA will need to ensure that cases are pursued rigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, reflecting the full weight of South Africa’s AML/CFT framework.
Actions
The NPA’s training initiatives focus on enhancing prosecutors' skills in financial crime investigation, forensic analysis and legal procedures related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) cases. This includes equipping prosecutors to interpret and utilise data from financial intelligence reports generated by the Financial Intelligence Centre. The government is implementing specialised AML/CFT training sessions that cover prosecutorial strategies for handling complex ML and TF cases, with a focus on cross-border and high-risk sectors. The NPA is also increasing its collaboration with the SAPS and the FIC to streamline case-building and facilitate timely and effective prosecutions. This cross-agency training and cooperation are intended to ensure that the NPA is fully prepared to support comprehensive AML/CFT enforcement actions.
Are there plans?
As noted in its 2020-25 strategic plan report, the NPA is focused on restoring credibility, enhancing organisational capacity and modernising operations. This includes strengthening leadership through the Investigating Directorate (ID) to prioritise complex corruption cases, building internal capacity via specialised training, and addressing high vacancy rates. The NPA is also advancing its technological infrastructure with the gradual implementation of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to streamline case flow.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes. This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve the effectiveness of the investigative capacity of The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
NPA capacity building and training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The FATF’s recent upgrades indicate that the NPA’s enhanced institutional capacity and training have led to measurable progress, as seen in an increase in successful prosecutions of financial crime cases. This underscores the initial effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. To meet the FATF’s full requirements, the NPA will need to demonstrate a sustained increase in successful prosecutions, especially in complex and high-risk cases that involve cross-border elements. This will require consistent application of newly acquired skills and close coordination with SAPS to support ongoing investigations effectively. The FATF has stressed the importance of timely and proportionate prosecutions for compliance. Therefore, the NPA will need to ensure that cases are pursued rigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, reflecting the full weight of South Africa’s AML/CFT framework.
Actions
The NPA’s training initiatives focus on enhancing prosecutors' skills in financial crime investigation, forensic analysis and legal procedures related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) cases. This includes equipping prosecutors to interpret and utilise data from financial intelligence reports generated by the Financial Intelligence Centre. The government is implementing specialised AML/CFT training sessions that cover prosecutorial strategies for handling complex ML and TF cases, with a focus on cross-border and high-risk sectors. The NPA is also increasing its collaboration with the SAPS and the FIC to streamline case-building and facilitate timely and effective prosecutions. This cross-agency training and cooperation are intended to ensure that the NPA is fully prepared to support comprehensive AML/CFT enforcement actions.
Are there plans?
As noted in its 2020-25 strategic plan report, the NPA is focused on restoring credibility, enhancing organisational capacity and modernising operations. This includes strengthening leadership through the Investigating Directorate (ID) to prioritise complex corruption cases, building internal capacity via specialised training, and addressing high vacancy rates. The NPA is also advancing its technological infrastructure with the gradual implementation of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to streamline case flow.
Is it on the agenda?
Yes. This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve the effectiveness of the investigative capacity of The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (SAPS: DPCI) with more staff, especially financial investigators and forensic accountants, can make better use of financial intelligence and place more emphasis on proactively identifying and investigating ML cases, particularly high level and complex cases such as those related to state capture and others involving third party laundering, foreign predicates, ML networks, and professional enablers.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS' building of capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests. The increased funding from government reflects progress, which shows commitment from that aspect and should be commended. Furthermore, the appointment of the new minister of police under the GNU has been widely well received . However, tangible results on this reform need to be delivered. The FATF’s acknowledgment of recent upgrades signals that the SAPS’s increased institutional capacity is having a tangible impact, as demonstrated by the recent uptick in complex financial crime investigations and enforcement actions. To meet the FATF’s expectations fully, the SAPS must demonstrate sustained improvements in handling money laundering and terrorism financing cases. This will involve maintaining a high volume of quality investigations, with particular attention to cross-border and high-risk cases that the FATF has flagged as priorities. The FATF has highlighted the need for effective sanctioning and timely prosecutions. Therefore, the SAPS will need to apply its training consistently, ensuring that officers are empowered to pursue cases through to successful prosecution, particularly in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority .
Actions
The government’s training plan includes comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programmes for SAPS officers, focusing on identifying and investigating money laundering, terror financing and complex cross-border crimes. The aim is to ensure SAPS officers are skilled in handling financial investigations and collaborating effectively with other AML/CFT stakeholders. Specialised units within the SAPS are receiving targeted training on advanced investigative techniques, forensic accounting and the effective use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre. To improve cross-border crime handling, the government is enhancing the SAPS’ capacity to engage in international cooperation, including the efficient processing of mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
For effective implementation, institutional capacity and training for the SAPS should ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat both financial and non-financial crimes. This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS' building of capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequent arrests. The increased funding from government reflects progress, which shows commitment from that aspect and should be commended. However, tangible results on this reform need to be delivered. The FATF’s acknowledgment of recent upgrades signals that the SAPS’s increased institutional capacity is having a tangible impact, as demonstrated by a recent uptick in complex financial crime investigations and enforcement actions. To meet the FATF’s expectations fully, the SAPS must demonstrate sustained improvements in handling money laundering and terrorism financing cases. This will involve maintaining a high volume of quality investigations, with particular attention to cross-border and high-risk cases that the FATF has flagged as priorities. The FATF has highlighted the need for effective sanctioning and timely prosecutions. Therefore, the SAPS will need to apply its training consistently, ensuring that officers are empowered to pursue cases through to successful prosecution, particularly in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority. FATF upgraded this in Feb 2025; SAPS capacity improved.
Actions
The government’s training plan includes comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programmes for SAPS officers, focusing on identifying and investigating money laundering, terror financing and complex cross-border crimes. The aim is to ensure SAPS officers are skilled in handling financial investigations and collaborating effectively with other AML/CFT stakeholders. Specialised units within the SAPS are receiving targeted training on advanced investigative techniques, forensic accounting and the effective use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre. To improve cross-border crime handling, the government is enhancing the SAPS’ capacity to engage in international cooperation, including the efficient processing of mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
Part of FATF reforms, this issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve institutional capacity and training for the SAPS. The aim is to ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat both financial and non-financial crimes. This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS' building of capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequent arrests. The increased funding from government reflects progress, which shows commitment from that aspect and should be commended. However, tangible results on this reform need to be delivered. The FATF’s acknowledgment of recent upgrades signals that the SAPS’s increased institutional capacity is having a tangible impact, as demonstrated by a recent uptick in complex financial crime investigations and enforcement actions. To meet the FATF’s expectations fully, the SAPS must demonstrate sustained improvements in handling money laundering and terrorism financing cases. This will involve maintaining a high volume of quality investigations, with particular attention to cross-border and high-risk cases that the FATF has flagged as priorities. The FATF has highlighted the need for effective sanctioning and timely prosecutions. Therefore, the SAPS will need to apply its training consistently, ensuring that officers are empowered to pursue cases through to successful prosecution, particularly in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority. FATF upgraded this in Feb 2025; SAPS capacity improved.
Actions
The government’s training plan includes comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programmes for SAPS officers, focusing on identifying and investigating money laundering, terror financing and complex cross-border crimes. The aim is to ensure SAPS officers are skilled in handling financial investigations and collaborating effectively with other AML/CFT stakeholders. Specialised units within the SAPS are receiving targeted training on advanced investigative techniques, forensic accounting and the effective use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre. To improve cross-border crime handling, the government is enhancing the SAPS’ capacity to engage in international cooperation, including the efficient processing of mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
Part of FATF reforms, this issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
To improve institutional capacity and training for the SAPS. The aim is to ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat both financial and non-financial crimes. This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS building capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests.
Actions
In line with implementing the stated plans - training, personnel and financial resources must be achieved by May 2024 and POCDATARA requirements must be achieved by September 2024. In the 2024 national budget - government raised the fund allocations to the Department of Justice for SAPS to increase its capacity to address ML/TF concerns.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
For effective implementation, institutional capacity and training for SAPS should ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat all crimes (both financial and non-financial). This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS building capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests.
Actions
In line with implementing the stated plans - training, personnel and financial resources must be achieved by May 2024 and POCDATARA requirements must be achieved by September 2024. In the 2024 national budget - government raised the fund allocations to the Department of Justice for SAPS to increase its capacity to address ML/TF concerns.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
For effective implementation, institutional capacity and training for the SAPS should ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat all crimes (both financial and non-financial). This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS' building of capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests. The increased funding from government reflects progress, which shows commitment from that aspect and should be commended. Furthermore, the appointment of the new minister of police under the GNU has been widely well received . However, tangible results on this reform need to be delivered. The FATF’s acknowledgment of recent upgrades signals that the SAPS’s increased institutional capacity is having a tangible impact, as demonstrated by the recent uptick in complex financial crime investigations and enforcement actions. To meet the FATF’s expectations fully, the SAPS must demonstrate sustained improvements in handling money laundering and terrorism financing cases. This will involve maintaining a high volume of quality investigations, with particular attention to cross-border and high-risk cases that the FATF has flagged as priorities. The FATF has highlighted the need for effective sanctioning and timely prosecutions. Therefore, the SAPS will need to apply its training consistently, ensuring that officers are empowered to pursue cases through to successful prosecution, particularly in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority .
Actions
The government’s training plan includes comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programmes for SAPS officers, focusing on identifying and investigating money laundering, terror financing and complex cross-border crimes. The aim is to ensure SAPS officers are skilled in handling financial investigations and collaborating effectively with other AML/CFT stakeholders. Specialised units within the SAPS are receiving targeted training on advanced investigative techniques, forensic accounting and the effective use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre. To improve cross-border crime handling, the government is enhancing the SAPS’ capacity to engage in international cooperation, including the efficient processing of mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
For effective implementation, institutional capacity and training for the SAPS should ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat both financial and non-financial crimes. This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
SAPS' building of capacity as well as training initiatives are vital to ensure that officers are well-skilled to combat crime. In line with the FATF recommendations at the legislative level, authorities like the FIC, the PBLSA and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) have been collaborating on initiatives with government to expand the overall law enforcement agencies.
View DetailsIs it working?
The SAPS continues to be too slow to increase staff, particularly financial investigators and forensic accountants. Because of this, the SAPS continues to be less effective in investigations and subsequently arrests. The increased funding from government reflects progress, which shows commitment from that aspect and should be commended. Furthermore, the appointment of the new minister of police under the GNU has been widely well received . However, tangible results on this reform need to be delivered. The FATF’s acknowledgment of recent upgrades signals that the SAPS’s increased institutional capacity is having a tangible impact, as demonstrated by the recent uptick in complex financial crime investigations and enforcement actions. To meet the FATF’s expectations fully, the SAPS must demonstrate sustained improvements in handling money laundering and terrorism financing cases. This will involve maintaining a high volume of quality investigations, with particular attention to cross-border and high-risk cases that the FATF has flagged as priorities. The FATF has highlighted the need for effective sanctioning and timely prosecutions. Therefore, the SAPS will need to apply its training consistently, ensuring that officers are empowered to pursue cases through to successful prosecution, particularly in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority .
Actions
The government’s training plan includes comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programmes for SAPS officers, focusing on identifying and investigating money laundering, terror financing and complex cross-border crimes. The aim is to ensure SAPS officers are skilled in handling financial investigations and collaborating effectively with other AML/CFT stakeholders. Specialised units within the SAPS are receiving targeted training on advanced investigative techniques, forensic accounting and the effective use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre. To improve cross-border crime handling, the government is enhancing the SAPS’ capacity to engage in international cooperation, including the efficient processing of mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.
Are there plans?
Capacity to be enhanced by 1) Providing adequate training personnel and financial resources to effectively carry out their CFT roles and responsibilities. 2) Clearly incorporating the new obligations under the revised POCDATARA into internal trainings, policies, procedures and performance indicators.
Is it on the agenda?
This issue also falls under the need to improve effectiveness of enforcement actions in fighting crimes - with government recognising the need to increase the number of police officers and experts to combat all crimes.
Goals
For effective implementation, institutional capacity and training for the SAPS should ensure that more police officers and other crime experts are frequently hired and trained to enable the institution to combat both financial and non-financial crimes. This should be carried out by enhancing formal training academies for prospective police officers, continued training and development of current police officers and enhancing specialised training skills for task forces like the Hawks (and other investigative units) etc.
Departments / Govt Institutions