Prohibitions: unintended consequences

The bans on cigarette and alcohol sales have dramatically boosted the fortunes of criminal syndicates and even seen gangs expanding their activities into these markets as their regular criminal activities have been disrupted by the lockdown. This was the view shared with attendants at the Illicit Trade webinar organised by Business Against Crime South Africa…

Alcohol industry during lockdown

A virus like COVID-19 no doubt requires novel approaches to limiting its spread. Governments the world over have been caught unawares by this virus and its implications for its people and economies. While South Africa has seemingly done some good work in terms of immediate action to limit the spread of infection, the hard work…

Spotlight on illicit trade amid Lockdown

The prohibition of goods of any kind is fertile ground for illicit trade. The illicit trade of tobacco goods has long been a problem in South Africa and while it needs more attention from lawmakers, we need to question how much more profitable this illicit trading is becoming during the COVID-19 lockdown. How does banning…

Invitation to join the Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2)

The Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2) is an official joint crime-fighting initiative between the South African Police Service (SAPS), Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the Private Security Industry (PSI) whereby the PSI formally cooperates with the SAPS by relaying information directly to the Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC) and in some instances, receiving…