Specialised Gang Units to be reintroduced by SAPS - Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato calls for immediate action

31 Mar 2015

I welcome the Minister of Police, Nathi Nhleko's, public commitment to finally consider bringing back Specialised Units within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Minister Nhleko's announcement should be seen as the end of talks on how to deal with gangs and drugs. The necessary actions must now be taken to re-introduce and equip these units as a matter of urgency.

In a media statement titled "Specialised crime fighting units on the way, says Police Minister", Minister Nhleko emphasises that "it is time for us to consider bringing back specialized units like the drug unit and others to respond to the sophisticated nature of crime that we now have to deal with."

This major first step taken by the Minister is a victory for everyone in the Western Cape who has suffered for too long under the scourge of gangs and drugs.

The crime, murders, and destruction of our communities by gangs and drugs in the Western Cape is well known and documented and something that I have been raising with the National Government since I was appointed as the MEC of Community Safety in this province.

The lack of detectives, poor investigations on gang and drug related crimes, insufficient witness protection for those willing to speak up, as well as the lack of sustainable visible policing in areas have allowed violence, gangsterism and the crippling drug trade to be left unabated.

I have been calling for the reintroduction of the Specialised Gang and Drug units since 2011 as these units possess the necessary resources and expertise to investigate thoroughly and make concrete arrests which lead to convictions in court. Around the world specialised units are used to tackle gangs and drugs, and the same was done here until a few years ago when the former National Commissioner disastrously disbanded them. While some operations currently might have had limited success, they are clearly not achieving what is needed quick enough.

Between 2003/04 and 2012/13 drug related crime in the Western Cape has increased from 19 940 reported cases to 82 000 reported cases - an increase of 311.5%.

We need dedicated and well-resourced specialised units which can deliver conviction ready court cases for the criminals responsible to be taken off our streets and for our communities to win the war against gangs and drugs.

Minister Nhleko cannot delay the implementation of the specialised units any more. Each passing day risks the lives of people in the Western Cape, our communities as well as the lives of our youth.

Statement issued by Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato, March 31 2015

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