Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith accompanied senior management members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday evening 17 January 2025 into Lentegeur and Beacon Valley in Mitchells Plain to see how law enforcement authorities are stabilising the area after rampant shootings by gangs.
Urgent shift in focus needed
Residents of the Cape Flats are increasingly concerned and alarmed by the continuous gang activity. The situation is undoubtedly spiralling out of control.
Alderman Smith emphasised that the focus needs to shift from dealing with the aftermath of gang violence on the Cape Flats to increasing efforts to prevent such instances. In a video on Facebook, he stated that they have redirected 100 of their officers to assist the SAPS with their stabilisation efforts in the area. However, many communities are continuing to suffer from the impact of gang violence.
‘Together we discussed solutions how we can increase our efforts in this community and others, instead of just running around each time in the wake and aftermath of such gang terror,’ said Smith.
SAPS and Safety and Security collaboration
Smith said he is optimistic about the new collaboration formed between the SAPS and the Department of Safety and Security. He emphasised that the main aim of this collaborative effort is to get ahead of the problem by using a more proactive approach. Together they will make intensified efforts focusing more on an intelligence-driven approach.
Spokesperson for the Elsies River Community Police Forum Imraahn Mukaddam, expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in the community. He said that ‘the killings just don’t stop; guns are everywhere’.
Since the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, agreed to the collaboration, there have been many successes in law enforcement according to Smith. However, significantly more effort is needed to address the problem.
“We can and we must do more. And we are ready.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith
With assistance in investigations from the Department of Safety and Security, the SAPS will have a better chance of building watertight case dockets against gangs terrorising communities. Ultimately, law enforcement authorities must dismantle the existing gang empires that currently reign in many areas.
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