WESTERN CAPE WAR ZONE @KASIBC_NEWS

WESTERN CAPE WAR ZONE @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Democratic Alliance(DA) in the Western Cape calls for the immediate devolution of SAPS policing powers to competent local authorities. Localised control of police resources, crime intelligence, and operational command will ensure a better, faster, and more accountable response to the unique challenges faced by our province.

The devastating surge in violence across the Cape Flats this past weekend has once again underlined the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how gang violence is tackled in our communities.

Between Friday, 23 May, and Sunday, 25 May 2025, there were a confirmed:
• 26 murders
• 58 attempted murders
• 84 confirmed gang-related incidents
• 27 separate shooting incidents where no injuries were reported

These figures constitute an emergency, and demonstrate that the unique safety challenges in the Western Cape require a tailored response. While these brazen acts of violence occur almost daily, conviction rates remain dismally low, and illegal firearms continue to pour into our neighbourhoods.

Despite these challenges, local interventions such as the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) have made a measurable impact - even while operating beyond their official mandate. Since inception 2020 up to 16 February 2025:
• 745 firearms, including zip guns, have been confiscated
• 40,065 arrests have been made
• Drugs worth over R10 million have been removed from our streets

These efforts highlight the dedication and capability of local and provincial authorities. But without structural reform and a shift in policing powers, we are fighting this war with one hand tied behind our backs.

Thomas Walters, MPP said: “National government must allow capable provincial local governments - such as the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government to assume a greater role in gang investigations, forensics, and intelligence.

In the interim, I will write to the National Minister of Police to request that SAPS prioritises the Western Cape in its national resourcing strategy. Our police stations are undermanned and outgunned, and we are placing our brave officers in a position where they do not have the support that they require to fulfil SAPS’ mandate and keep communities safe.

We will request a clear action plan from SAPS within 90 days, detailing how additional resources will be allocated, with timelines for implementation. I will also, upon receipt of such a plan, invite SAPS to present the plan to the Standing Committee on Police Oversight and Community Safety, so that it can be properly interrogated by the representatives of the people of the Western Cape.”

Anyone with information that can lead to arrests is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously