The Police Ministry in South Africa has been criticised by Parliament's Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings for failing to curb the ongoing gang violence crisis in the Western Cape. The committee was set to be briefed by the ministry on undertakings made by the now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to fight gang violence in the Western Cape. However, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia failed to attend the meeting, sending Deputy Minister Casses Mathale instead.
The committee Chairperson, Ofentse Mokae, expressed disappointment and frustration at the ministry's absence, stating that suggestions to collapse the meeting were made. Mokae revealed that he had penned a letter to register his unhappiness regarding Cachalia's absence and the lack of a progress report from the minister's office. The committee members agreed to allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) to present instead.
SAPS Head of Strategic Management, Major General Leon Rabie, defended the ministry's response, stating that the "extraordinary measures" announced by Mchunu in May 2025 have been in action since 1 April 2026. This coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa's joint SAPS and SANDF Operation Prosper, which is currently underway. Rabie presented the ministry's efforts to combat gang violence in the Western Cape.
ANC MP Phiroane Anthony Phala stressed that the country is under siege due to the ongoing gang violence, stating that the SAPS is still operating in the same way as many years ago. Phala expressed concerns that the plan presented by the police may not be working, as the situation remains the same, with massacres occurring in various parts of the country, including Strand, KZN, and Gauteng.
Acting Police Commissioner Pule Dimpane responded to Phala's concerns, stating that the police are relooking at the Anti-Gang-Units (AGU) and strengthening their resources. Dimpane acknowledged that the police are not yet where they want to be but are constantly assessing their work and regrouping. The police are working to ensure sustainability when Operation Prosper withdraws.
However, DA MP Nicholas Gotsell pointed out an apparent gang-related hit outside a primary school in Athlone on Tuesday morning, questioning the effectiveness of the government's plan. Gotsell stated that hundreds of thousands of 'actions' and thousands of arrests mean very little if gangsters can still execute people in broad daylight outside schools.
The committee members, including DA MP Mzamo Billy, expressed disappointment at Cachalia's absence, stressing that the matter being discussed is of great importance. Billy added that the minister's presence is necessary to bring the country into confidence that something is being done to fight gang violence in the Western Cape. Gotsell also called for Cachalia to come before Parliament to explain the ministry's efforts.
Key points
- The Police Ministry's failure to address the parliamentary committee has sparked concerns about its ability to combat gang violence in the Western Cape.
- The absence of Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has been criticised, with committee members calling for his presence to explain the ministry's efforts.
- The ongoing gang violence in the Western Cape has resulted in massacres and executions, with concerns raised about the effectiveness of the government's plan.
