Latest news with #SafetyandSecurity
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
City of Cape Town adopts controversial motion calling for policing devolution
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith Bongani Maqungwana, Mzwakhe Mqavashe and Councillor Yusuf Mohamed during Wednesday's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee briefing on the motion calling for the devolution of policing in the Western Cape. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media The City of Cape Town's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee has adopted a motion calling for the devolution of targeted policing powers from the national government. The motion further mandates that, if negotiations through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework (IRF) fail to yield results, the City Manager should initiate legal adjudication to secure these powers through the courts. The document presented to the committee states: 'If the formal process through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework fails to achieve outcomes, that the City Manager proceeds to begin an adjudication process through the courts to devolve policing powers, thereby empowering the City of Cape Town with investigating powers to assist the SAPS adequately in addressing the scourge of gun violence.' This comes amid ongoing concerns over gang violence, extortion, and the effectiveness of policing in the metro. 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 motion was presented by Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Yusuf Mohamed and seconded by United Democratic Movement (UDM) Councillor Bongani Maqungwana. It calls for a formal request to the national government to devolve specific policing functions to the City, including investigative powers for gang-related crimes, drug trafficking, extortion, and firearm offences, as well as crime intelligence and forensic testing of firearms. 'We're not calling for full policing powers, but for targeted, urgent powers that enable the City to fill the gap left by SAPS,' said Mohamed. 'The Constitution already allows for this under Section 99, and we have shown that with the right resources and accountability, we can get results.' Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the committee, said communities were struggling under the weight of violent crime and lawlessness. 'Our communities are plagued by crime at all levels, and it is clear that more is needed – from the South African Police Service and the City. The situation is untenable as our residents continue to live in fear, children cannot venture outside, and criminals run our streets.' The City has, in recent years, expanded its investment in crime prevention through the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), the establishment of the Metro Police Gang and Drug Task Team, and increased use of surveillance technologies. Nqavashe said these efforts required formalised powers to be more effective. 'We can contribute in tackling crime in our city and in giving an answer to the victims... especially on firearms, which are circulating at an alarming rate.' The motion also recommends that national government formalise the work of the technical task team created under the 2024 Safety and Security Cooperation Agreement, which was signed at Erica Park in Belhar by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister Senzo Mchunu, and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The agreement included nine workstreams based on the Safe Cities framework. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said progress on the workstreams had been slow. 'I still quibbled to the minister... that we must set 31 December as a deadline – a Christmas present for citizens. But now we're almost a year in with no progress.' Smith said the City did not receive real-time crime intelligence from SAPS, which impacted the effectiveness of its operations. 'We only see crime stats months later – it's a history lesson, not a tool for public safety.' He also noted the growing impact of extortion on City operations. 'The contractors are saying, 'we're not safe'.' Smith said over 400 officers were now escorting service teams. 'We are now at the point where every service team may need a police escort. That doubles our operational cost. It's unsustainable.' He said the City had assisted in certain kidnapping cases but was still limited in its scope. 'I cannot go to a public meeting without someone raising this. And I'm tired of telling people saying 'it's not within our powers'.' The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposed the motion. Councillor Banzi Dambuza said: "We are against the devolution of policing powers to the City. The DA has proven that they are not able to deal with issues of crime. They are utilising this as a bargaining chip.' He added, 'The City came with a budget that will give six law enforcement personnel per ward, whereas they know that the major issue is within black and coloured areas. "The DA has failed to deal with gangsterism, extortion, and any other issue related to crime. As the EFF we are anti the move of SAPS going to the City, who are entering the position of taking under the wing, making sure they use the power which will be abused; misused and not used to the benefit of our poorest of the poorest.' GOOD Party councillor and Caucus Whip Jonathan Cupido also expressed concerns about the proposal. 'As GOOD, we do not oppose decentralisation. There is a compelling argument for bringing decision-making closer to communities, especially where services are failing. But to suggest that devolving select policing functions will resolve Cape Town's crisis of violent crime, without simultaneously addressing the root causes of that violence, is dangerously misleading,' he said. Between January and March 2025, 1,068 people were murdered in the Western Cape, with 81% of those killings taking place in Cape Town. Gang-related killings in the City accounted for 197 of the 240 gang murders recorded nationally during that period. Cupido said, 'These are the outcomes of systemic failure. A result of entrenched poverty, youth unemployment, addiction, and the spatial legacy of apartheid that continues to shape life in the Cape Flats. These are the conditions in which gangs thrive, not because of a lack of devolved powers, but because we continue to treat crime as a policing problem rather than a social one.' The motion will be tabled at the next full Council meeting for formal adoption.
The South African
27-05-2025
- The South African
Luxury vehicle crash: Drunk Porsche driver hits taxi in Cape Town CBD
The City of Cape Town's enforcement agencies continue to ramp up efforts to combat crime and improve public safety, with 235 suspects arrested and over 45 843 fines issued during the past week's operations. Among the week's standout incidents was a serious motor vehicle accident involving a yellow Porsche and a minibus taxi on FW de Klerk Boulevard outbound, near Marine Drive in the CBD. Traffic officers who responded to the scene arrested the driver of the Porsche for driving under the influence. The suspect recorded a breathalyser reading of 0.52mg/1000ml, more than double the legal limit of 0.24mg/1000ml. 'This is just the latest in a series of troubling incidents involving high-end sports cars,' said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. 'To be caught driving under the influence so early in the morning, and at more than twice the legal limit, is deeply concerning. This accident could have had far more serious consequences.' City of Cape Town traffic officers recorded 36 351 offences, executed 1 251 warrants of arrest, and impounded 179 public transport vehicles over the week. Notably, 23 of the 26 arrests made were for driving under the influence of alcohol. Metro police made a significant contribution, arresting 50 suspects and issuing 2 477 fines. One notable arrest occurred in Hanover Park over the weekend, where officers – assisted by the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system – responded to a report of multiple gunshots. A 23-year-old suspect was arrested after being found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a filed-off serial number and 11 rounds of ammunition. Law Enforcement officers were also active, making 159 arrests and issuing 7 021 fines during routine patrols. Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town's Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) fielded 1 632 calls over the weekend, including reports of 110 assaults and 53 vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Residents are reminded to stay alert and report emergencies by calling (021) 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Cape Town grapples with illegal firearms: Only 5% of cases lead to convictions
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis unpacked the City's case-tracking data at a briefing in Hanover Park on 22 May together with Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. Image: Supplied Cape Town municipal officers have confiscated 1,670 illegal firearms between 2021 and January 2025; however, only 81 of these cases have resulted in convictions, raising concerns about what the City describes as a failing criminal justice system. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis revealed the figures during a safety briefing in Hanover Park on Thursday, stating that while City policing operations are successfully removing hundreds of illegal guns from the streets every year, the vast majority of these cases collapse before trial. 'Our investments to grow policing operations are now resulting in over 400 illegal firearms confiscated annually,' Hill-Lewis said. 'These efforts should lead to the removal of hundreds of violent criminals from society each year, but a broken criminal justice system has so far secured convictions in just 5% of the 1,670 cases.' City data shows that nearly 50% of cases were rejected by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) due to insufficient evidence or poor prospects for prosecution. In many others, delays are caused by outstanding ballistics or DNA reports, and cases waiting for an NPA decision to prosecute. Some suspects have even remained at large for years despite warrants of arrest being issued. The City believes a significant part of the problem stems from the fact that municipal officers are prohibited from investigating or compiling criminal dockets. Hill-Lewis now calls on the National Police Minister to devolve investigative powers to City police officers under the SAPS Act. 'We have the necessary policing resources which are immediately available to help police and prosecutors dramatically raise conviction rates,' he said. 'We stand ready to help gain more convictions for the sake of long-suffering communities where the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit by violent crime.' 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 ✕ Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the lack of SAPS resources is crippling gun crime cases. 'It is important to note that there are killers still walking free even after being caught as far back as 2021, simply because SAPS lacks the capacity to complete the dockets necessary to go to trial and win,' Smith said. The City has since introduced training for its officers in statement writing and docket preparation and established a Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) to assist with building stronger cases. Cape Town is also investing heavily in crime-fighting infrastructure, including a R800 million rollout of gunshot detection, bodycams, dashcams, drones and the EPIC digital coordination system, but says none of it will matter if convictions remain this low. 'We're doing our part. SAPS must do theirs,' said Hill-Lewis. 'The devolution of investigative powers is not a political demand; it is a practical solution to a deadly problem.'
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Cape Town's fight against illegal firearms: A 5% conviction rate raises concerns
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis unpacked the City's case-tracking data at a briefing in Hanover Park on 22 May together with Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. Image: Supplied Cape Town municipal officers have confiscated 1,670 illegal firearms between 2021 and January 2025; however, only 81 of these cases have resulted in convictions, raising concerns about what the City describes as a failing criminal justice system. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis revealed the figures during a safety briefing in Hanover Park on Thursday, stating that while City policing operations are successfully removing hundreds of illegal guns from the streets every year, the vast majority of these cases collapse before trial. 'Our investments to grow policing operations are now resulting in over 400 illegal firearms confiscated annually,' Hill-Lewis said. 'These efforts should lead to the removal of hundreds of violent criminals from society each year, but a broken criminal justice system has so far secured convictions in just 5% of the 1,670 cases.' City data shows that nearly 50% of cases were rejected by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) due to insufficient evidence or poor prospects for prosecution. In many others, delays are caused by outstanding ballistics or DNA reports, and cases waiting for an NPA decision to prosecute. Some suspects have even remained at large for years despite warrants of arrest being issued. The City believes a significant part of the problem stems from the fact that municipal officers are prohibited from investigating or compiling criminal dockets. Hill-Lewis now calls on the National Police Minister to devolve investigative powers to City police officers under the SAPS Act. 'We have the necessary policing resources which are immediately available to help police and prosecutors dramatically raise conviction rates,' he said. 'We stand ready to help gain more convictions for the sake of long-suffering communities where the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit by violent crime.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the lack of SAPS resources is crippling gun crime cases. 'It is important to note that there are killers still walking free even after being caught as far back as 2021, simply because SAPS lacks the capacity to complete the dockets necessary to go to trial and win,' Smith said. The City has since introduced training for its officers in statement writing and docket preparation and established a Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) to assist with building stronger cases. Cape Town is also investing heavily in crime-fighting infrastructure, including a R800 million rollout of gunshot detection, bodycams, dashcams, drones and the EPIC digital coordination system, but says none of it will matter if convictions remain this low. 'We're doing our part. SAPS must do theirs,' said Hill-Lewis. 'The devolution of investigative powers is not a political demand; it is a practical solution to a deadly problem.' IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
