Following release of crime stats, WC govt again calls on SAPS to work with municipal police to curb crime

In light of the crime statistics released on Friday, the Western cape government has again called on the SAPS to work with municipal police to curb crime in the province.

The stats show murder rates in areas where law enforcement officers operate decreased by 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

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Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said this showed that the provincial government's crime prevention programmes were reducing the murder rate in certain areas.

"Cooperative and locally-managed policing programmes are reducing murder rates and urgently need to be funded by national government for implementation in every single policing precinct."

City of Cape Town Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, echoed Winde's sentiments.

"The crime stats clearly reflect that our investments into technology and human resources can make a considerable impact. In areas like Nyanga and Philippi East we have seen notable decreased in murder cases which have reduced by 26.6% and 10% respectively." 

Both Smith and Winde once again called on national government to grant municipal police investigative powers to help bring down the crime rate in the province.