Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Alexandra Abrahams
In light of the recent gang violence in Bishop Lavis, the DA Tygerberg 2 Constituency initiated a safety walkabout on Friday, 19 September, with key safety stakeholders.
These included Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, City of Cape Town Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, Bishop Lavis Neighbourhood Watch members as well as members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF). See photos here, here and here.
During the walkabout, we engaged with residents while distributing leaflets detailing how to submit anonymous tip-offs on gang and crime-related incidents to law enforcement and SAPS.
It is unacceptable that criminals roam freely, while law-abiding residents are held hostage in their homes.
The walkabout followed a debate in Parliament earlier that morning.
In that debate, the DA provided multiple solutions and once again highlighted the urgent need to devolve policing powers to competent governments, such as the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government.
The devolution of policing powers, along with a simple amendment to the SAPS Act, as highlighted by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, by inserting the two words “and investigate”, will be a game-changer on the Cape Flats.
Recognition must be given to the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town for stepping in, despite policing being a national government competency and not within their legislative mandate.
Their safety initiatives include:
- The deployment of over 1300 LEAP officers to high-crime priority areas;
- The recent graduation of more than 700 newly trained Metro Law Enforcement Officers;
- An additional 250 officers dedicated to escorting municipal workers in high-crime areas, where service delivery is often delayed due to criminal attacks on city staff; and
- The City’s latest initiative, which will see four Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSO) deployed to every single ward across the metro.
NSO will operate on a dedicated ward basis, partnering with accredited Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) and CPFs, as well as private security. They will assist in resolving recurring crime complaints and contribute to information gathering, among other responsibilities.
However, these safety interventions can only lead to meaningful reductions if arrests are followed by successful investigations and prosecutions, a mandate that falls within the ambit of national government.
It is no secret that the criminal justice system is under severe strain and needs urgent reform. This must be a priority for the Acting National Minister for Police and the Minister for Justice, who oversees the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The DA expresses sincere appreciation to NHW and CPF members for their voluntary efforts to keep Bishop Lavis safe. Their visibility helps deter crime.
Now more than ever we must come together and unite against criminal elements who seek to destabilise our communities.
To anonymously report crime, call 0800 11 00 77.