Government Unveils Anti-Gang Strategy to Combat Organised Crime

Cape town: Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has created the National Anti-Gang Strategy, which aims to dismantle gang-related criminal networks through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders. According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President stated on Thursday that several measures have been introduced under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to restore the integrity and performance of SAPS Crime Intelligence. During a session in the National Assembly, he responded to oral questions, emphasizing the expansion of the Anti-Gang Units to address issues such as drug trafficking, shootings, and murders. This expansion will include not just the Western Cape, but also the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. He further noted that the units will receive support from operations like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi. These operations aim to bolster efforts against gang-related crimes. The Deputy President was responding to a question from a Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament regarding the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The MP inquired about measures needed to strengthen the overall criminal justice system, particularly the police service. Deputy President Mashatile highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the Crime Intelligence Division, with a focus on combating organised crime and gangsterism in hotspot areas through structural and technological interventions, including Community Policing Forums (CPFs). He also mentioned the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia's announcement of a multi-agency anti-gang plan in the Western Cape. This plan involves collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Special Investigating Unit, and SAPS to combat gangsterism and extortion. Funding has alrea dy been allocated for the implementation of this plan. In the meantime, the SAPS has enhanced its digital analytics, surveillance, and data-driven policing resources to improve intelligence-led operations in high-crime areas. Additionally, the SAPS is working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to develop strategies targeting the financial infrastructure of organised crime, focusing on cross-border business networks.