'We are watching them': Police Minister on hardened Cape Town criminals

CAPE TOWN - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has sent a stern warning to criminals in Cape Town that their days are numbered.

Mchunu was speaking at an event in Cape Town, where a new working partnership between the South African Police Service (SAPS), City of Cape Town and Western Cape government law enforcement structures was announced.

In recent years, a relationship between the police ministry, and leaders from the city and provincial government was strained by several issues including a call to hand over policing powers to the province.

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However, Mchunu says all three spheres of government are now committed to putting all those differences aside to tackle rampant crime together in the city and province.

Minister Mchunu added the collaboration between SAPS, Metro police, and law enforcement would end what he called an era of feared criminals.

He said police must leave no space for criminals to operate in Cape Town and the Western Cape.

"When they leave their homes, they must know we are watching them. As they put their feet out of their homes, they must know we are aware of them," said Mchunu.

The working relationship will officially start on Friday, after the signing of the cooperation agreement.