STRAND – Following the brutal weekend shootings in Asanda Village that left four people dead, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has strongly condemned the violence while pointing to a systemic failure in national policing infrastructure and leadership.

The deadly attacks – which took place on Nombula and Ntanga streets during the early hours of Saturday 18 July – have reignited sharp criticism over the lack of permanent police infrastructure in Lwandle, Strand.

Extending condolences to the victims’ families, Benedicta van Minnen, MPP and DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety, highlighted the stark reality facing local officers and residents.

“A community of this size and vulnerability continues to be served from what was originally an RDP house instead of a permanent brick-and-mortar police station,” said van Minnen.

This is unacceptable and sends the wrong message to residents who deserve accessible, well-resourced policing services.

The party reiterated its long-standing call for a fully-fledged, permanent police station in Lwandle, emphasising that effective crime prevention requires permanent infrastructure capable of handling local demands, adequate personnel and heightened visible policing, expanded detective capacity to improve conviction rates, and strong community partnerships to build trust and gather intelligence.

The tragedy has also brought the leadership structure of the police in the Western Cape under fresh scrutiny.

Although Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi previously condemned the attacks as a “blatant disregard for human life” and pledged to mobilise all available resources, the DA argues that temporary leadership cannot deliver long-term results.

The DA urged national government to urgently appoint a permanent Provincial Commissioner to provide the strategic vision, continuity, and accountability necessary to tackle the province’s violent crime crisis.

Addressing current police interventions, Van Minnen noted that while initiatives such as Operation Prosper play a role, temporary deployments are insufficient on their own.

“As Operation Prosper enters its second phase, communities continue to experience devastating acts of violent crime, highlighting the need for sustained policing capacity and measurable outcomes,” Van Minnen stated. “Operations cannot compensate for longstanding shortages in policing resources, inadequate detective capacity, and vacant leadership positions.”

Lwandle detectives are currently investigating four murder dockets following the two separate incidents, where gunmen opened fire after brief arguments before fleeing.

Police continue to appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the shootings or the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or submit a tip anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app.