Reimagining Knowledge in Digital Forensics: Assessing Challenges for Cybercrime Practitioners in South Africa

Background/Objectives: Cybercrime poses a growing threat to South Africa’s digital economy, necessitating effective search and seizure practices for digital evidence; however, investigators and prosecutors encounter systemic challenges that hinder successful prosecutions. This study aims to identify and analyse these obstacles and propose improvements to enhance the efficiency and integrity of digital forensic processes within the criminal justice system. Methods: This empirical study employed a qualitative research design, collecting data from 30 participants within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Cyber-Crime and Deep Web Investigation Unit and the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU); semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and institutional challenges. Results: The findings reveal that digital investigations are complex, multi-stage processes requiring a strictly auditable approach to preserve the integrity of evidence from seizure to courtroom presentation; a documented chain of custody is critical to ensuring that digital evidence remains in its original, unaltered state, while institutional silos disrupt the effective flow of evidence to prosecutors despite the use of specialised forensic methodologies. Conclusions: The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires the establishment of a multi-agency digital forensic task force and specialised interdisciplinary training to bridge the technical-legal gap, with significant implications for policy reform and the advancement of digital forensic practices in South Africa.