As violent crime in CT surges, Hill-Lewis writes to Cachalia for help

CAPE TOWN - An uptick in violent crime in Cape Town has led to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis writing to the acting police minister for help.

He’s asked Minister Firoz Cachalia to urgently supply the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit with resources.

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The mayor expressed concerns about reports that the unit needs vehicles, firearms and even bulletproof vests.

Hill-Lewis has suggested that SAPS’s yearly budget of R120 billion be reevaluated.

"Many of them are going out on patrol at night without firearms even because they've had to hand their firearms in for previous ballistics testing and have never got them back. They say they've only got five functional vehicles. Those vehicles they do have, they can't get any spare tyres for, so if they get a flat or something, they can't replace a tyre."

Meanwhile, Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said community members need to work hand in hand with law enforcement.

"We urge the community members to report any criminal activity or illegal firearms to the police. By working together, we can ensure that even more deadly weapons are removed from our communities and that lives are saved."