Pretoria: Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on Tuesday held an engagement with community stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni in an effort to curb violence linked to gang activity in the Western Cape. The Minister's visit forms part of a broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster effort aimed at implementing practical, community-driven interventions against gang violence and fostering safety.
According to South African Government News Agency, among the stakeholders attending the engagements were representatives from civic groups, religious leaders, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs). Cachalia stated that gang violence in the province results from organized transnational crime, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response. He has requested a briefing from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on the actions being taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to curb the violence, including assessing the effectiveness of the anti-gang units that have been established.
Cachalia acknowledged the ongoing gang violence in areas like Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni, where communities face high levels of extortion, shootings, and drug-related crimes. The Cape Flats, including some suburbs, frequently witness clashes between rival gangs such as the Americans and Mongrels, leading to crossfire that endangers innocent residents. Mitchells Plain residents have expressed their need for increased police presence to protect them from gangsters' violence.
Cachalia pledged to do everything in his power to improve policing and reduce crime in the country. He mentioned that the provincial commissioner and the head of crime intelligence presented him with a strategy to fight crime in the affected areas. However, the plan still needs to be implemented and resourced. He stressed the importance of a stabilisation plan and the offensive actions against drug lords to stabilise communities and ensure safety.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Cachalia indicated that special measures might be necessary to eradicate gangsterism. The ongoing gang-related violence has resulted in numerous deaths. The acting Minister and his delegation are expected to meet with the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Thursday.