WC ropes in retired detectives to quell gang-related and violent crime

Western Cape police have brought back about 62 retired detectives to help tackle gang-related and violent crime in the province.

Provincial commissioner Thembisile Patekile said the experienced officers will improve investigative capacity after recent crime statistics showed an increase in serious offences in the province.

Currently, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has about 22,400 detectives in its ranks investigating an average of 107 cases each.

Retired top cop Jeremy Veary said the type of experience the detectives have will determine whether they make an impact in curbing organised crime in the province.

"If it is a detective who has experience in specialised units, in particular involving the investigation of organised crime or drugs or corruption then they would be a valuable resource."

The National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said the detectives will be investigating high priority cases.

"Obviously, also any serious and violent crime and priority cases for example gang-related gun violence."

Cameron said the detectives will also help target certain underworld kingpins in the province.