Cachalia requests briefing from top cop Masemola on gang violence in WC

CAPE TOWN - Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said he had requested a briefing from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola related to ongoing gang violence in the Western Cape.

Cachalia addressed police top brass and dignitaries from across Africa and abroad at the opening day of the 27th Interpol African Regional Conference on Wednesday.

The conference, which is being held over three days, comes as gang violence in Cape Town continues to claim the lives of gang members and innocent residents almost daily.

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The acting police minister said he was called to take action after the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba contacted him to raise concerns about the escalating gang violence in Cape Town.

Cachalia said he had since requested a briefing from Masemola about what the SAPS was doing to curb gang violence in the Western Cape.  

"So that I understand what SAPS is doing and where the gaps might be. Then I'm going to engage with the religious leaders who have taken the initiative to talk with me on Monday, hopefully." 

Cachalia said he would engage with Masemola and the religious leaders before he decides what needs to be done when he returns to Cape Town in September.