Cachalia commits to presenting plan to Parly to deal with gangsterism in Cape Town

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has committed to present a plan to Parliament to deal with gangsterism in Cape Town's impoverished neighbourhoods.

Responding to MPs' statements in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Cachalia said the decades-old gang problem had mutated into organised crime.

Following last week’s visit to Cape Town, Cachalia has been slammed by some quarters for lacking a strategy to deal with the problems that result in scores of gang-related deaths each week.

The Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Lisa Schickerling on Tuesday criticised inadequate visible policing in gang-ridden areas of the Cape Flats, saying the police should be intercepting drugs and weapons at schools.

In response, Cachalia described the gang violence as an epidemic that is breaking down the social fabric of communities.

"While the police have responded with increased operations and deployments, the situation is not yet under control."

Cachalia said he was working with the SAPS to strengthen its stabilisation plan.

"I plan to take the House into my confidence when that plan has been developed and to report back to communities in the Western Cape."

Cachalia believes a long-term, intelligence-driven plan is needed to deal with what he says is not just a problem of gangsterism but also of syndicates and organised crime.

ALSO READ:

• Cachalia hasn’t ruled out deploying army in response to Cape Town violence

• SA needs a serious plan to combat gangs and organised crime syndicates - Cachalia

• Acting Police Minister Cachalia sounds warning to gangs operating in WC

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