Steps are being taken to help tackle the gang shootings
IN RESPONSE to the letter by Cape Coloured Congress president Fadiel Adams: the violence that took place in Mitchells Plain over the past week is devastating and unacceptable, and we send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones in these recent violent incidents.
As Adams points out, the SAPS are mandated to prevent and investigate crime, however, they are under-resourced in the province. The Western Cape government has an oversight role to play in safety, but has also had to step up into the gaps left by the national government and the SAPS, because we understand that residents are tired of living in fear, and want safe spaces to live and raise their families in.
This is why the provincial government developed the safety plan. It is targeted at boosting the numbers of law enforcement officers on the ground, and at violence prevention strategies. The plan is data-driven and evidence-led, and officers are deployed in areas where crime is the worst. The claim in Adams’ letter that this plan would roll out 500 additional officers to Mitchells Plain is incorrect.
In total, we have trained and deployed 500 officers, with another 500 to be trained and deployed this year. These officers will ultimately be deployed in Area-Based Teams (ABTs) to 10 crime hot spots.
The Department of Community Safety will expedite the roll-out of additional law enforcement resources and violence prevention efforts through the establishment of these ABTs in communities most affected by violent crime.
Mitchells Plain will be included in the second phase of ABT roll-outs, and to respond to the current spate of violence, we will temporarily deploy LEAP officers to the area. During my State of the Province Address last month, I outlined how the Western Cape government is working to advance safety, dignity and well-being, and job creation. All these play an important role in violence prevention, which builds safer communities. We have worked hard to build a better working relationship with the SAPS, and the Department of Community Safety supports neighbourhood watches, which are key role-players in safety.
The departments of Social Development and Education are also rolling out programmes aimed at changing violent behaviours.
Vio-lence prevention is a longterm intervention and requires a whole-of-society approach. I urge the public to report information to their local SAPS, by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the TipOff function on the MySAPS cellphone app. | PREMIER ALAN WINDE