Deputy Minister vows to combat gangsterism in Athlone

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster is hosting a ministerial imbizo in Athlone today, highlighting its ongoing efforts to combat crime across the country.

The engagement forms part of the cluster's Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy, with a specific focus on gangsterism, murder, and gender-based violence in the Western Cape.

Various ministers within the JCPS cluster, deputy ministers, members of the Western Cape Provincial Government, as well as directors-general and senior managers from various government departments, are attending the imbizo at the Dulcie September Hall in Athlone on Tuesday.

Athlone residents, who packed the Dulcie September Hall, could be heard clapping and cheering when Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo encouraged officials to take down gang bosses in the Western Cape.

Boshielo lamented the effect gang violence is having on the province, especially on children who often miss school due to shootings in their communities.

The Deputy Minister promised to rid communities of criminals and encouraged the community to stand with the police. She also had a warning for corrupt officials in the justice system.

"Including our police and our correctional services and everybody who does crime... we are drawing a line," Boshielo said.

Boshielo called on all departments in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, including residents, to work together to fight crime in the province.