SAPS Launches Social Media Monitoring Unit To Track Criminals Online

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is taking significant steps to enhance public safety by launching a specialised social media monitoring unit.

This initiative aims to track down criminals utilizing online profiles, following the tragic events of the 2021 unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where 350 people lost their lives.

The 2021 unrest highlighted the urgent need for closer scrutiny of online activities. During the investigations, it became clear that social media played a pivotal role in organizing and inciting violence.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Meta Lifts Restrictions On Donald Trump’s Facebook And Instagram Accounts

SAPS identified numerous individuals responsible for these actions through their online profiles, leading to several convictions. This has prompted the police to bolster their capabilities in monitoring digital platforms.

According to National Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, SAPS already possesses some capability to monitor the media space and detect incidents. Mathe states, “The number of incidents that we’re picking up on social, through social media, is assisting us.

So, we have various capabilities within the SAPS that are already dealing with social media, the social media space and ensuring that we monitor it, but obviously if such a team is put in place, it’s to enhance and improve our capabilities.”

With the new social media monitoring unit, SAPS aims to further enhance its ability to preempt and respond to criminal activities. This proactive measure will not only help in tracking down criminals but also in preventing potential threats before they escalate.

The unit is expected to work in tandem with existing law enforcement strategies, creating a safer environment for all South Africans.