GOOD Statement by Shaun August
GOOD National Organiser and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
18 November 2022
Criminals in the Western Cape are becoming increasingly brazen while a crisis within the South African Police Service seems to be growing.
During a recent incident in Kensington, a family was robbed by criminals who paraded as police officers. It’s understood the bogus officers entered the home of the victims wearing official police uniforms, while they also had two marked police vehicles and firearms.
This happened in the same week as the launch of the festive season safety plan by the provincial Police Commissioner with Minister Bheki Cele in an effort to curb escalating crime in the Western Cape. As part of this initiative, 16 police vehicles and 1 000 recruits will strengthen the provincial response in communities.
While the increased police visibility is a welcome step, criminals camouflaging as police officers severely damages the already low trust South Africans have in the police, especially in this province where management is investigating its own officers for allegedly colluding with gangsters.
This follows a recent High Court judgment which raised serious concern over the alleged criminal infiltration of the Western Cape’s police management. As GOOD, we would therefore like to amplify the call by the Premier that an investigation is launched by the Ombudsman to determine the extent of corruption and malfeasance that is plaguing the provincial police.
Meanwhile, what happened in Kensington calls for urgency from law enforcement agencies, both national and provincial, to expeditiously investigate and ensure that these perpetrators are met with the full might of the law.
The City of Cape Town is already considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world and if residents cannot even trust the police, there is little hope to win the war against crime.
The province needs enhanced and effective crime fighting plans to remain in place long after the holiday season, if we are to root out crime. This will require far-reaching programmes, investment and consistent efforts across the province, that will also ensure the upliftment and transformation of these communities.
Media Enquiries:
Shaun August, GOOD National Organiser & Member of Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Cell: 074 746 7378
Email: shauna@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za