Infiltration of SAPS by gangs shows centralised policing has failed

29 January 2024

There is now an urgent need for Police Minister Bheki Cele to answer before Parliament in light of the reported infiltration of criminal gangs within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly the notorious "28 Gang" in the Western Cape.

This infiltration has reached such alarming depths that it compromised the integrity of specialised units like the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Intelligence, essential for investigating gang-related crimes. Astonishingly, the Minister, in response to mounting evidence, has chosen to deny the existence of this issue, dismissing it as a misrepresentation.

The DA stands resolute in holding Minister Cele accountable for his inaction. The DA calls upon Minister Cele to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament. He must answer as to why no investigations have been forthcoming, whether the Minister will ask the President to create a Commission of Inquiry into the infiltration of SAPS and what consequence management has taken place, if any.

This dismissive approach from a National Minister has allowed criminal elements to flourish within SAPS. It underscores the urgent need to reconsider the distribution of policing powers. The DA advocates for the devolution of policing powers from the National ANC Government to provinces capable of effective management. The DA envisions a scenario where the Western Cape Government takes control of SAPS in the province, managing staffing, visible policing, station management, and resource allocation effectively.

A locally controlled SAPS would empower provinces to determine their budgets, ensuring resources are strategically deployed, particularly in high-crime and gang-infested areas. With skyrocketing crime rates, incidents of lost firearms from police stations, and a shortage of detectives, Minister Cele must acknowledge that centralised policing has failed.

The only way to ensure every person’s safety in South Africa is to devolve police powers to capable provinces and get the national government out of the way. South Africans have one last chance to register to vote on the 3rd/4th February 2024, or go online and visit www.check.da.org.za.

Issued by Okkie Terblanche, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Police, 29 January 2024