Cybercrime in South Africa: A Synopsis of the Regulatory Approaches and Concomitant Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/19113Keywords:
cybercrime, internet, Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) , National Development Plan (NDP), 2030 Agenda, South AfricaAbstract
Cybercrime, particularly in South Africa, is a growing threat to society, people, and economies, with prevalent crimes such as digital banking fraud, ransomware attacks, cyber espionage, and phishing. The rapid adoption of technologies for electronic payments (e-payments), which offer convenience and lower costs, is also accompanied by an increased risk of digital fraud. Challenges in combating cybercrime include resource limitations within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), slow legislative action, and poor cyber hygiene. These issues hinder South Africa’s ability to meet the National Development Plan’s (NDP) 2030 goal of a crime-free society, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Specifically, SDG 16 emphasises reducing violence, promoting the rule of law, and building effective institutions to combat crime. In this article, I explore the role of law enforcement agencies like SAPS, DPCI, and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in tackling cybercrime. I recommend strengthening the regulatory framework to create a secure cyberspace in South Africa, contributing to the NDP’s vision for 2030, the SDG 16 objectives of peace and justice, and the Agenda 2063 goal of promoting security and good governance across Africa.
References
African Union. 2015. “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.” African Union. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/33126-doc-framework_document_book.pdf.
Ahmad, I., S. Khan, and S. Iqbal. 2024. “Guardians of the Vault: Unmasking Online Threats and Fortifying e-Banking Security, a Systematic Review.” Journal of Financial Crime 31 (6): 1485–1501. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-11-2023-0302
Al‑Qudah, A. A., M. Al-Okaily, G. Alqudah, and A. Ghazlat. 2024. “Mobile Payment Adoption in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Electronic Commerce Research 24 (1): 427–451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-022-09577-1
BASA (The Banking Association South Africa). 2024. “Digital and Financial Forensics Analysis Centre and the Digital Service of S205 Subpoena.” The Banking Association South Africa, December 12. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.banking.org.za/news/digital-and-financial-forensics-analysis-centre-the-digital-service-of-s205-subpoenas/.
Beck, A. 2022. “Update: March 2022 South Africa Cyber Incident.” TransUnion, June 1. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://newsroom.transunion.co.za/update-south-africa-cyber-incident/.
Bîzgă, A. 2022. “Data Breach at South African Pharmacy Retail Giant Affects 3.6 Million Customers.” Bitdefender, May 19. Accessed November 11, 2025. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/blog/hotforsecurity/data-breach-at-south-african-pharmacy-retail-giant-affects-3-6-million-customers?utm_.
Calif, S. 2024. “Cybercrime in South Africa 2024: Deepfakes on the Rise.” Cybercrime Magazine, October 21, 2024. https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-in-south-africa-2024-deepfakes-on-the-rise.
Cassim, S., and Z. C. Chapanduka. 2024. “Cyberattack on the National Health Laboratory Service of South Africa—Implications, Response and Recommendations.” South African Medical Journal 114 (12): 19–22. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i12.2549
Costa, M. G. 2023. “South Africa as a Leading Regional Power in Africa? An Analysis of the Implementation of the African Union, Auda-Nepad and Agenda 2063.” Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional 66 (2): 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7329202300219
Cybil. 2025a. “About Cybil.” Cybil. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://cybilportal.org/about-cybil/.
Cybil. 2025b. “Cybercrime Awareness and Skills for South African Law Enforcement—Providing Specialist Cybercrime Investigation Skills.” Cybil. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://cybilportal.org/projects/cybercrime-awareness-and-skills-for-law-enforcement-providing-specialist-cybercrime-investigation-skills/?utm_source.
Eboibi, F. E. 2020. “Concerns of Cyber Criminality in South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria: Rethinking Cybercrime Policy Implementation and Institutional Accountability.” Commonwealth Law Bulletin 46 (1): 78–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/03050718.2020.1748075
EngineerIT. 2024. “The State of Cybersecurity in South Africa.” EngineerIT, October 9. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/state-cybersecurity-south-africa?utm_source.
Gupta, P., B. Ding, C. Guan, and D. Ding. 2024. “Generative AI: A Systematic Review Using Topic Modelling Techniques.” Data and Information Management 8 (2): 1–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dim.2024.100066
Haider, A., M. A. Khan, M. Khoja, S. Alharthi, and S. M. Minha. 2024. “The Role of e-Banking, Mobile-Banking, and e-Wallet with Response to e-Payment and Customer Trust as a Mediating Factor using a Structural Equation Modelling Approach.” Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development 8 (9): 1–27. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i9.6644
Haywood, L. K., N. Funke, M. Audouin, and C. Musvoto. 2019. “The Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa: Investigating the Need for Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships.” Development Southern Africa 36 (5): 555–569. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2018.1461611
Hope Sr, K. R. 2023. “Peace, Justice and Inclusive Institutions: Overcoming Challenges to the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 in Africa and Beyond.” In Corruption, Sustainable Development and Security Challenges in Africa, edited by D. Seck, J. U. Elu, and Y. Nyarko, 131–160. Charm: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32229-7_6
Illidge, M. 2023. “South Africa’s Data Leak and Privacy Watchdog Cuts its Teeth.” MyBroadband, September 6. Accessed November 7, 2025. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/506966-south-africas-data-leak-and-privacy-watchdog-cuts-its-teeth.html.
Investec 2025. “Cybersecurity 2024: Trends, Threats, and Strategy” Investec, October 3. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/money/cybersecurity-in-south-africa-2024.html.
Kempen, A. 2025. “Section 205 Digital Subpoenas an Exciting Development in Fighting Financial Crime.” Servamus Community-Based Safety and Security Magazine 118 (2): 36–37.
Kritzinger, E., A. Da Veiga, and W. van Staden. 2022. “Measuring Organizational Information Security Awareness in South Africa.” Information Security Journal: A Global Perspective 32 (2): 120–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/19393555.2022.2077265
Leal Filho, W., S. K. Tripathi, J. B. S. O. D. Andrade Guerra, R. Giné-Garriga, V. Orlovic Lovren, and J. Willats. 2019. “Using the Sustainable Development Goals Towards a Better Understanding of Sustainability Challenges.” International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 26 (2): 179–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2018.1505674
Mabunda, S. 2024. “The South African and Senegalese Legislative Response to Malware-Facilitated Cybercrime.” In Malware Handbook of Prevention and Detection, edited by D. Gritzalis, K. R. Choo, and C. Patsakis, 233–249. Cham: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-66245-4_10
Masilela, S. 2025. “Nedbank Employee Debarred After Sending Himself 53 Emails Containing Clients’ Confidential Information Before Resigning.” IOL, March, 4. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/nedbank-employee-debarred-after-sending-himself-53-emails-containing-clients-confidential-information-before-resigning-7ad84ed4-7882-46e4-85e6-7f4e3195fc98.
Matsaung, P., D. T. Masiloane. 2024. “The Role of Cyber Intelligence in Policing Cybercrime in South Africa: Insights from Law Enforcement Officers.” African Security Review 34 (2): 152–167. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2024.2421225
Mdaka, Y. 2023. “CSIR Collaborates with SAPS to Strengthen Cybercrime Investigations.” News24, April, 4. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.news24.com/news24/xarchive/tech-and-trends/csir-collaborates-with-saps-to-strengthen-cybercrime-investigations-20230404.
Moyo, A. 2016. “Standard Bank Hit by R300m Fraud.” ITWeb, May 23. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.itweb.co.za/article/standard-bank-hit-by-r300m-fraud/x4r1lyMRmxw7pmda.
Mthembu, D. E., and G. Nhamo. 2021. “Domestication of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa.” South African Journal of International Affairs 28 (1): 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2021.1894971
Mushoriwa, L. 2023. “The African Union’s Quest for a ‘Peaceful and Secure Africa’: An Assessment of Aspiration Four of Agenda 2063.” Law, Democracy and Development 27: 55–92. https://doi.org/10.17159/2077-4907/2023/ldd.v27.3
National Government of South Africa. 2025. “Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).” National Government of South Africa. Accessed February 22, 2025. https://nationalgovernment.co.za/units/view/212/council-for-scientific-and-industrial-research-csir.
National Planning Commission. 2012. “National Development Plan 2030—Our Future Make It Work.” National Planning Commission, Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/ndp-2030-our-future-make-it-workr.pdf.
Ncube, M. 2024. “South Africa Aims to Increase Financial Inclusion to 90 Percent by 2030: Plausible or a Mere Ideal?” Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal 27 (1): 1–42 https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2024/v27i0a18144
Nguyen, T. N. 2023. “A Review of Cyber Crime.” Journal of Social Review and Development 2 (1): 1–3.
Norton Rose Fulbright. 2023. “Information Regulator Issues First Fine to the Department of Justice after Ransomware Attack.” Norton Rose Fulbright Press Release, July. Accessed November 11, 2025. https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-za/news/287987e5/information-regulator-issues-first-fine-to-the-department-of-justice-after-ransomware-attack?utm_.
Olaoye, O., M. Zerihun, and M. I. Tabash. 2025. “Does Mobile Technology Help to Deepen Financial Inclusion? Evidence from South Africa.” Journal of African Business 26 (3): 499–513. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2024.2387391
Oyewole, A. T., C. C. Okoye, O. C. Ofodile, and C. E. Ugochukwu. 2024. “Cybersecurity Risks in Online Banking: A Detailed Review and Preventive Strategies Application.” World Journal of Advanced Research and Review 21 (3): 625–643. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.3.0707
Phiri, J., T. Lavhengwa, and S. A. Mmatshuene. 2024. “Online Banking Fraud Detection: A Comparative Study of Cases from South Africa and Spain.” South African Journal of Information Management 26 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v26i1.1763
Pieterse, H. 2021. “The Cyber Threat Landscape in South Africa: A 10-Year Review.” The African Journal of Information and Communication 28: 1–21. https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/32213
Prinsloo, B. L. 2019. “South Africa’s Efforts to Project Influence and Power in Africa (2000 to 2017).” The Strategic Review for Southern Africa 41 (1): 1–24. https://doi.org/10.35293/srsa.v41i1.233
Rachmawati, I. K., M. Bukhori, Y. Majidah, S. Hidayatullah, and A. Waris. 2020. “Analysis of Use of Mobile Banking with Acceptance and Use of Technology.” International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research 9 (8): 534–540.
Rajeswari, R., S. Sonam, and P. Sasikala. 2025 “Exploring School Teachers’ Cyber Security Awareness, Experiences, and Practices in the Digital Age.” Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice 25 (1): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.62915/2472-2707.1214
Reflex. 2025. “Key Insights from Cybersecurity Month 2024: Protecting Medium-Sized Businesses in a Digital-First Era.” Reflex. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.reflex.co.za/news/key-insights-from-cybersecurity-month-2024-protecting-medium-sized-businesses-in-a-digital-first-era/?utm_source.
Sanyaolu, T. O., A. G. Adeleke, C. F. Azubuko, and O. S. Osundare. 2024. “Exploring Fintech Innovations and Their Potential to Transform the Future of Financial Services and Banking.” International Journal of Scholarly Research in Science and Technology 5 (1): 054–72. https://doi.org/10.56781/ijsrst.2024.5.1.0033
Snail ka Mtuze, S., and M. Musoni. 2023 “An Overview of Cybercrime Law in South Africa.” International Cybersecurity Law Review 4 (3): 299–323. https://doi.org/10.1365/s43439-023-00089-8
South African Banking Risk Information Centre. 2022. “Annual Crime Statistics—SABRIC.” South African Banking Risk Information Centre, Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.sabric.co.za/media/gq4hmbjw/sabric-annual-crime-stats-2022.pdf.
South African Banking Risk Information Centre. 2024. “SABRIC Reports Significant Increase in Financial Crime Losses for 2023.” South African Banking Risk Information Centre, Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.banking.org.za/news/sabric-reports-significant-increase-in-financial-crime-losses-for-2023/.
South African Revenue Service. 2024. “What is a Tax Crime?” South African Revenue Service. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/what-is-a-tax-crime/.
Srivastava, B. R. 2024. “Cyber-Crime: A Threat to National Security.” Journal of Social Review and Development 3 (Special 1): 80–83.
Sutherland, E. 2017. “Governance of Cybersecurity—The Case of South Africa.” The African Journal of Information and Communication 20: 83–112. https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/23574
The Commonwealth. 2024. “South African Magistrates Better Equipped to Combat Growing Cybercrime.” The Commonwealth. Accessed November 24, 2024. https://thecommonwealth.org/news/south-african-magistrates-better-equipped-combat-growing-cybercrime.
United Nations. n.d. “What are the Sustainable Development Goals?” United Nations. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals.
United Nations. n.d. “Goal 16: Promote Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies.” United Nations. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/peace-justice/.
Varalakshmi, T., and S. R. Katta. 2024 “Revolutionizing Banking: The Impact of Financial Innovation.” International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management 2 (5): 1687–1690. https://doi.org/10.47392/IRJAEM.2024.0243
Wood, J. 2024. “‘Pig-Butchering’ Scams on the Rise as Technology Amplifies Financial Fraud, INTERPOL Warns.” World Economic Forum, April 10. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/04/interpol-financial-fraud-scams-cybercrime/.
Yoganandham, G. 2025. “Achieving A Just and Sustainable Future: The Role of SDG 16 and SDG 17 in Global Collaboration, Peace, and Institutional Strengthening for Sustainable Development—An Assessment.” Degrés 10 (3): 197–216.
Legislation
African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, 2014 (the Malabo Convention).
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Convention on Cybercrime, ETS No. 185, 2001 (Budapest Convention).
Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020.
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.
Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act 1 of 2011.
National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998.
Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.
Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.
Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001.
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013.
Second Additional Protocol to the Cybercrime Convention (CETS No. 224), 2022.
South African Police Services Act 68 of 1995.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
