SAPS Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo told Parliament that organised crime syndicates survive by securing access to power, including politicians, senior police, and influential business figures who can shield them, leak information, or obstruct investigations.

He said criminals often manufacture the appearance of proximity to officials, using photos and private messages to imply influence, while insiders within SAPS can function as an early warning system that tips off suspects and undermines cases.