Winde sounds alarm over mounting strain on frontline policing in Western Cape

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has raised an alarm over mounting strain on frontline policing as the province experiences a surge in violent crime.

The call comes amid a sharp rise in murders across the province, with gang-ridden Cape Flats communities bearing the brunt of the violence.

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Winde said following a high-level meeting with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and city law enforcement leadership, he conducted oversight visits to several police stations, where he uncovered severe resource constraints. 
 
At Khayelitsha Police Station, for example, a single detective is reportedly responsible for more than 300 active cases, a workload Winde said undermines effective investigations and justice for victims.

Winde's calling for closer collaboration between the provincial government, the City of Cape Town and the SAPS as violent crime escalates.

"Of course, boots on the ground, law enforcement, and policing are one component, but the violence prevention work, which is a much longer-term investment, is how we build safe, resilient communities."