Carlo Petersen30 July 2024 | 13:18

SAPS to join forces with CoCT, WC govt to combat crime in the province

Policing oversight and community safety MEC, Anroux Marais, said she felt deeply encouraged after meeting with Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and various other officials last week.

SAPS to join forces with CoCT, WC govt to combat crime in the province

CAPE TOWN - The South African Police Service (SAPS) is joining forces with the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government to combat crime in the province.

After years of distrust between the different spheres of government in the province, officials say the winds of change are blowing.

Policing oversight and community safety MEC, Anroux Marais, said she felt deeply encouraged after meeting with Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and various other officials last week.

Marais said it was one of her key priorities to foster better cooperation between the three levels of government to fight crime.

"These are early days, but I'm truly encouraged by Minister Mchunu's tone, attitude and input that we have a chance to overcome the antagonism of the past."  

Marais said she aims to ensure that the province gets its fair share of boots on the ground.

"That the province gets the number of police officers it is entitled to. Furthermore, we must tackle priority crimes which include violent contact crimes, extortion and gang-related crimes."     

The officials said an agreement to identify areas of cooperation would be finalised this week.