Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais have welcomed the appointment of Lt-Gen Sizakhele Dyantyi as the new Provincial Police Commissioner.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday 29 July both leaders expressed optimism about working with Dyantyi to address the province’s pressing crime challenges.
A call for better policing resources
Winde emphasised the urgent need for a well-resourced, intelligence-led police service to combat violent crime effectively. He highlighted the devastating impact of ongoing violence: “Deadly shootings are becoming the norm. This will not be tolerated.”
He said during a recent safety walkabout in Philippi East residents had voiced their frustration to him, saying they had “had enough of criminals.”
Winde stressed that collaboration alone was insufficient to reduce crime. He called for significant investments in frontline policing resources, modern investigative tools, and intelligence-gathering to dismantle organised criminal networks.
Marais highlights Dyantyi’s experience
Marais praised Dyantyi’s appointment, noting his extensive experience and understanding of the Western Cape’s unique crime challenges. “He has first-hand knowledge and understands the importance of partnerships,” she said. Marais expressed hope that his leadership would strengthen policing in the province, with a focus on resourcing police stations and tackling gang and organised crime.
A plea for equitable resource allocation
Winde reiterated the Western Cape Government‘s call for the national government to allocate policing resources more equitably. He stressed that communities with the highest crime burdens must receive adequate personnel and operational support.
The premier also reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting the police through safety initiatives, including investments in law enforcement, technology, and data-driven crime prevention.
ALSO READ: Top cop backs push for tougher metro police and Cape Town is ready
