Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonPolice
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Is the DA's push for policing power devolution justified?
The debate surrounding the devolution of policing powers reemerged over the weekend after Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron attended a ride-along in Manenberg. Image: Ian Cameron/Facebook/Supplied The DA's repeated call for the devolution of policing powers is facing sharp scrutiny with one political analyst labelling it a copout. The debate surrounding devolution reemerged over the weekend after Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron (DA), attended a ride-along in Manenberg. Cameron posted on social media about his ride-along which he undertook with fellow DA MPs Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell, and how they joined the Special Operations team of the City of Cape Town's metro police in Manenberg and surrounds on Friday. 'I am a firm believer that they should have more policing powers. Why wouldn't we allow this brilliant group of people to be able to do more? Just imagine if we could do something like ballistic testing and gang violence investigation, decentralised? The impact for communities that suffer under the scourge of violence would be significant,' Cameron said. '...It's so exciting to see the work that they do, along with law enforcement, and of course, the renowned LEAP programme. 'I want to zoom in on Metro (Police), this past week I brought a motion in Parliament to ask once again that the Minister of Police (Senzo Mchunu) please give more policing power to Metro Police. 'It is significant because (they) not only do incredible work on the ground, but if they have more policing power, they could actually put more people behind bars, and keep them there… 'Imagine if they could do more investigations, or if they could do some of the ballistic testing? The legislation already allows for this,' Cameron said. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ In another post, Cameron elaborated that municipal officers may currently arrest and confiscate weapons but cannot build court-ready case dockets. He said that function is reserved for SAPS, 'where backlogs, skill shortages, and delays continue to cause severe disruptions in justice being served, if at all.' 'The Police Minister has the power to change this immediately. Under the SAPS Act, he can devolve investigative functions to competent municipal authorities via regulation. He has the legal authority.' In response to Cameron's remarks Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said: 'The ministry's focus is on ensuring that the high levels of crime in the country are reduced. A number of enablers have been identified by the ministry, which will be used to fight crime. 'Furthermore, following the National Policing Summit which was convened in April, various measures will be implemented that will usher in a new type of policing - one that is effective, efficient, responsive and professional.' However, political analyst Sanusha Naidu explained that this issue has been an ongoing gripe for the DA regarding what they can and cannot do under the safety and security portfolios. Naidu said that the party is seeking to mimic what the National Party wanted to do during the negotiation for the transition into democracy, 'in other words, what they want is not a unity state, but rather a devolved set of powers that are defined along the lines of a federal state'. '...This discussion around a unity state versus a federal state is that you can't go back (to when the Constitution was being made) and ask the question, as you have a Constitution that defines powers,' Naidu said. 'You have a Constitution that essentially enables for a unity state. 'The Western Cape is a push-and-pull factor of tension. It is constantly in an elasticity of tension, as you have that one issue of 'look at us, we've done so well'... The DA has used the idea that it is the ruling party in the Western Cape to push a narrative that 'we have a better handle on how to govern', now the reason why they are able to push that is because…everywhere else is broken. 'So if you look at what the DA tried to do in Gauteng, and Eastern Cape when Athol Trollip was part of the DA… they are constantly trying to push the narrative that 'we govern better' but what they don't tell you is that the governing comes from such a low base in comparison to the rest of the country.' 'When you think about the optics and narrative when you live in the City of Cape Town, you can see the contradictions of that narrative… It is a complete copout to say that you can't address the issue because we don't have the powers to do so. It is easy. 'However, let's make the assumption that we give you the powers to do so, will you be able to do it, and I think that they are hiding behind this argument… There is no tried and tested argument because we don't have a benchmark for them to try it,' Naidu said. 'There is no benchmark to say, 'hang on, is there another method or methodology or another intervention you can make?' If you are still waiting for these powers to be devolved, you have to go back to the Constitution." Cape Argus
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Is the DA's call for policing power devolution just a cop-out?
The debate surrounding the devolution of policing powers reemerged over the weekend after Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron attended a ride-along in Manenberg. Image: Ian Cameron/Facebook/Supplied The DA's repeated call for the devolution of policing powers is facing sharp scrutiny with one political analyst labelling it a copout. The debate surrounding devolution reemerged over the weekend after Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron (DA), attended a ride-along in Manenberg. Cameron posted on social media about his ride-along which he undertook with fellow DA MPs Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell, and how they joined the Special Operations team of the City of Cape Town's metro police in Manenberg and surrounds on Friday. 'I am a firm believer that they should have more policing powers. Why wouldn't we allow this brilliant group of people to be able to do more? Just imagine if we could do something like ballistic testing and gang violence investigation, decentralised? The impact for communities that suffer under the scourge of violence would be significant,' Cameron said. '...It's so exciting to see the work that they do, along with law enforcement, and of course, the renowned LEAP programme. 'I want to zoom in on Metro (Police), this past week I brought a motion in Parliament to ask once again that the Minister of Police (Senzo Mchunu) please give more policing power to Metro Police. 'It is significant because (they) not only do incredible work on the ground, but if they have more policing power, they could actually put more people behind bars, and keep them there… 'Imagine if they could do more investigations, or if they could do some of the ballistic testing? The legislation already allows for this,' Cameron said. In another post, Cameron elaborated that municipal officers may currently arrest and confiscate weapons but cannot build court-ready case dockets. He said that function is reserved for SAPS, 'where backlogs, skill shortages, and delays continue to cause severe disruptions in justice being served, if at all.' 'The Police Minister has the power to change this immediately. Under the SAPS Act, he can devolve investigative functions to competent municipal authorities via regulation. He has the legal authority.' In response to Cameron's remarks Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said: 'The ministry's focus is on ensuring that the high levels of crime in the country are reduced. A number of enablers have been identified by the ministry, which will be used to fight crime. 'Furthermore, following the National Policing Summit which was convened in April, various measures will be implemented that will usher in a new type of policing - one that is effective, efficient, responsive and professional.' However, political analyst Sanusha Naidu explained that this issue has been an ongoing gripe for the DA regarding what they can and cannot do under the safety and security portfolios. Naidu said that the party is seeking to mimic what the National Party wanted to do during the negotiation for the transition into democracy, 'in other words, what they want is not a unity state, but rather a devolved set of powers that are defined along the lines of a federal state'. '...This discussion around a unity state versus a federal state is that you can't go back (to when the Constitution was being made) and ask the question, as you have a Constitution that defines powers,' Naidu said. 'You have a Constitution that essentially enables for a unity state. 'The Western Cape is a push-and-pull factor of tension. It is constantly in an elasticity of tension, as you have that one issue of 'look at us, we've done so well'... The DA has used the idea that it is the ruling party in the Western Cape to push a narrative that 'we have a better handle on how to govern', now the reason why they are able to push that is because…everywhere else is broken. 'So if you look at what the DA tried to do in Gauteng, and Eastern Cape when Athol Trollip was part of the DA… they are constantly trying to push the narrative that 'we govern better' but what they don't tell you is that the governing comes from such a low base in comparison to the rest of the country.' 'When you think about the optics and narrative when you live in the City of Cape Town, you can see the contradictions of that narrative… It is a complete copout to say that you can't address the issue because we don't have the powers to do so. It is easy. 'However, let's make the assumption that we give you the powers to do so, will you be able to do it, and I think that they are hiding behind this argument… There is no tried and tested argument because we don't have a benchmark for them to try it,' Naidu said. 'There is no benchmark to say, 'hang on, is there another method or methodology or another intervention you can make?' If you are still waiting for these powers to be devolved, you have to go back to the Constitution." [email protected]
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MPs demand action on police corruption and gender-based violence
During a recent portfolio committee meeting, MPs expressed grave concerns over the rising rates of gender-based violence and rape, calling for urgent reforms and accountability within the South African Police Service. Image: File Rape, consequences for corrupt police officers, and gender-based violence (GBV) were concerns raised by the Portfolio Committee on Police on Wednesday. Delivering the fourth quarter crime statistics on Friday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said that in respect of sexual offences, rape increased. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal contributed 19.1% and 19.9% respectively to the national total. In the fourth quarter, decreases in rape statistics were recorded in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and the Western Cape. The fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year is the period covering January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard called the rape statistics horrendous and traumatic to the victims and their families, and that the country was not winning the war on GBV. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The conviction rate for those found guilty of rape was low and was a concern for Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, an African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) MP. Meshoe suggested that the SAPS have regular meetings with the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to clear out bottlenecks. 'Sometimes the police do their best but when they go to court, the rapist gets an eight-year conviction. This does not instil fear in criminals or those who might commit similar crimes. They have to be taught a lesson that this will not be tolerated in society. Magistrates must issue lengthy sentences,' he said. Echoing the sentiment that crime statistics should strike fear into would-be criminals was Makashule Gana, a member of RISE Mzansi and an MP. Gana said some court cases went on for far too long, and this did not bring comfort to law-abiding citizens. Fadiel Adams, a National Coloured Congress MP, was mainly concerned about the murder rate in Cape Town and the shortage of staff and resources allocated to police stations with high crime rates. Lisa‐Maré Schickerling, a DA MP, said the SAPS is fighting a war on women that does not want to end. Schickerling was concerned that policemen were also involved in rape, and one of the members accused of rape was still on duty. She called for the removal of corrupt police officers and remedial action for poor-performing police stations. 'The conviction rate for those found in possession of firearms is very low. Police continuously re-arrest the same culprits for crime, only for them to be released on bail. This was a waste of resources. This is not a good message we are sending to the community,' she said. Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, said several police officers involved in crime, including one for rape, are out on bail and working in the police stations and this was a concern. ANC MP Julian Leseletsi Mokoena called for a reduction in GBV and sexual assault incidents, while Erald Alzano Cloete, an ANC MP, called for the SAPS to enforce proper control of firearms and firearm licences in the country.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
‘No arrests, no justice': Intercape slams police inaction amid ongoing violence
Intercape said more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion Image: Supplied Long-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company. The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police's response had been 'a failure… in its statutory and constitutional duties,' even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However, Hofmeyr stated that this had not been reported to the courts or Intercape, as legally required. Intercape said it has spent more than R420,000 on medical costs for injured passengers, lost over R30 million in revenue due to suspended services, paid R3 million for private security, and R5.5 million for coach repairs. The company, founded in 1971, has faced various conflicts over the years, some dating back as far as 2016. CEO Johann Ferreira said tensions escalated sharply when the taxi industry began questioning the validity of Intercape's bus permits. Once investigations confirmed no irregularities, Ferreira said the situation evolved into 'a new level of warfare.' 'This escalated to stone throwings and shootings,' Ferreira said. 'They assaulted the drivers and passengers, stopping buses at the bus stations in the Eastern Cape and pulling passengers from the buses, armed with guns. It escalated to a point where a driver was murdered. Many passengers were injured. The drivers were injured. Passengers were traumatised.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ferreira expressed deep concern over the lack of arrests despite 200 pending cases. 'This is a blatant case of contempt of court and is being committed by a government which undertook a sworn oath of office to uphold the Constitution,' he said. After the briefing, Committee Chair Ian Cameron criticised the investigation's handling. 'With regards to the violence against the bus industry, it was shocking to see the lack of resolve or the lack of enthusiasm or urgency to attack the problem and solve the issue,' he said. 'They could have been much further with this, but they can't at the moment indicate the arrest of any kingpin even, which tells me that from the foundation phases of this investigation, they did it in the wrong way.' He added, 'Either there's a lack of will, a deliberate disregard for the problem, or just incompetence.' Cameron did acknowledge the practical limitations of police resources: 'I agree with SAPS in the way that they can't patrol or escort every single bus. That's not possible.' However, he argued this doesn't excuse the failure to run intelligence-driven investigations. 'Through solid, organised crime, intelligence-driven operation, prosecution-led investigation, they could have been much further with this.' Cameron supports the idea of a public hearing into the police's handling of the matter but noted the risks. 'It's easier to engage with large companies, but on the ground, people are scared. Some have been killed. The threats are real.'
IOL News
16-05-2025
- IOL News
Intercape appeals to Parliament over escalating violence against its operations
An Intercape driver rammed into barriers after he was shot on Jakes Gerwel Drive. Image: File Long-distance bus operator, Intercape, has made a desperate appeal to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, citing a complete breakdown in law enforcement response to ongoing violence and intimidation against its operations. The company appeared before the committee on Wednesday, where it laid out in detail how despite securing nine court orders against various arms of government, no meaningful action has been taken to protect its passengers and staff. Intercape CEO, Johann Ferreira, told the committee that over 200 criminal cases had been opened with police since 2015, including charges of murder, attempted murder, intimidation, and extortion. Despite extensive evidence, including video footage, witness statements, and the registration numbers of vehicles linked to taxi associations, Ferreira said not a single suspect had been prosecuted. The attacks, he said, include petrol bombings, shootings, ambushes, and in one case, the murder of an Intercape driver. In an unexpected turn during the committee meeting, senior police officials said that 11 arrests had allegedly been made in connection with the attacks, information that had never been shared with the company or submitted to the courts as required by law. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC, representing Intercape, described this development as "deeply troubling", noting that SAPS had failed to comply with court orders requiring them to update both the court and Intercape on the progress of investigations. Ferreira accused the Ministers of Police and Transport, their provincial counterparts, and police commissioners of openly defying multiple high court orders. The financial impact has also been severe, as Intercape said it had paid more than R420 000 in medical bills for injured passengers; lost over R30 million in revenue after suspending services in parts of the Eastern Cape; spent over R5 million on coach repairs; and incurred R3 million in private security costs. Ferreira said the broader implications of the government's inaction go beyond Intercape, as safe and affordable public transport options continue to disappear in areas dominated by violent extortion. Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Ian Cameron, described the presentation as 'shocking' and said hundreds of attacks had been documented, including more than 170 incidents involving Intercape and over 100 arson attacks on Golden Arrow buses in just the past 18 months. He said none of these had led to successful prosecutions. Cameron added that some SAPS members reportedly demanded protection fees from bus companies, effectively becoming part of the extortion network. "Even worse, there are credible reports that some SAPS members are demanding 'protection fees' themselves, effectively turning police officers into extortionists. "While SAPS and the Hawks debate over whose 'mandate' this is, organised crime syndicates operate freely. Bus operators are forced into 'no-go zones'. Ordinary South Africans lose safe, affordable transport. Businesses bleed millions." He said the committee would begin a formal process of scrutinising the specific cases raised, with further feedback to follow. Ferreira warned Intercape will soon bring new contempt of court proceedings against the state. Cape Argus
