Minister Plato: Troubled Violent Hubs Top of My List to Investigate

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Western Cape Police Commissioner General Arno Lamoer has announced that SAPS has identified 22 police stations in the most crime-affected communities in the Western Cape for intervention. I welcome this proactive action, and will be conducting my own oversight visits to assess the improvements made at these stations.

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) resorts under national government, the South African Constitution makes clear provision for the National Minister of Police to develop policing policies taking into account the policing needs and priorities of the provinces as determined by the provincial executives.

As part of my provincial oversight function, I have already visited a number of police stations around the Western Cape and relayed the information I collected to General Lamoer's office.

I will now personally visit each of the 22 identified stations in the gang-affected communities and will continue to visit these communities to assess the shortcomings and needs of these stations and how they are being improved to ensure that the violence and bloodshed stops, and what resources have been allocated to secure the convictions of criminals.

Many of our police officers risk their lives to protect our communities but will be limited in their ability if they do not have the necessary resources or support.

I have now written to General Lamoer requesting a full list of the 22 police stations.