CAPE TOWN – The issues of taxi violence and organised crime were discussed during the Western Cape Government Cabinet meeting chaired by Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde on Wednesday 11 March.
At the meeting safety interventions, including plans to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist policing operations in the province, were a key focus.
Cabinet received a briefing from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape on national plans to deploy soldiers to support law enforcement in high-crime areas.
SANDF focus points
The SANDF deployment will focus on several policing precincts that together account for about 55% of violent crime in the province. Cabinet noted that the military will serve as a “force multiplier”, supporting SAPS operations rather than replacing police officers.
Members stressed that the intervention must involve strong coordination between all role players and warned that law enforcement agencies cannot work in silos if the operation is to succeed.
intelligence-driven approach
Winde emphasised that the deployment must be intelligence-driven and informed by lessons learned from previous interventions, including the SANDF deployment in 2019 aimed at curbing gang violence.
Cabinet also highlighted the need for soldiers involved in the operation to receive appropriate training for the role they will play in supporting policing efforts.
The provincial government confirmed that it is ready to assist where possible. Cabinet noted that provincial safety initiatives will form part of the broader effort to stabilise affected communities.
These include the province’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), as well as K9 units, technology-enabled policing tools and the deployment of provincial traffic services to assist with enforcement and stabilisation operations.
Cabinet also raised concerns about integrity within the criminal justice system. Members emphasised the need to urgently implement lifestyle audits within SAPS to identify and remove corrupt elements within the police service.
According to Cabinet, properly designed audits can probe areas most vulnerable to corruption and play an important role in restoring public trust while strengthening law enforcement effectiveness.
Taxi violence
Meanwhile, Cabinet expressed concern over a recent flare-up of violence in the minibus taxi industry in parts of Cape Town, particularly in Atlantis and Nyanga.
Members stressed that intimidation and violence in the sector would not be tolerated and warned that criminal elements should not be allowed to control the taxi industry.
Winde concluded that the provincial government remains committed to working with national and local partners to restore safety in communities affected by violent crime.
“We must ensure that SAPS is properly resourced and that investigative powers are shared with local law enforcement agencies,” he said.
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