The Western Cape Provincial Police Ombudsman, Oswald Reddy has recently announced an investigation into police inefficiencies as it relates to their failure to combat the operation of drug houses in the province.
The investigation comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province requested that Reddy investigate the matter.
According to Reagan Allen, the DA’s spokesperson on Community Safety in the Western Cape, by the end of June 2021, it was confirmed by SAPS that there were 1 577 drug houses operating in the Western Cape, with 53% of them being situated in the Metro.
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Allen said, the prevalence of illicit drug trade in the province, and the rest of South Africa further threatens the cohesion of communities, particularly those facing many socio-economic difficulties.
“This is why the Ombudsman’s investigation will be based on determining the reasons for the police not being able to address the manufacturing and supply of illegal substances, in addition to the use, possession and dealing and to terminate the operation of these premises.
“Our Constitution places an obligation on the South African Police Service to protect and secure residents by preventing, combatting and investigating criminal activities,” Allen said.
He went on to say that this would be an extremely difficult mandate to be achieved as Police Needs and Priorities reports indicated the perpetual mismanagement and under-resourcing of provincial SAPS.
“The success of this investigation will contribute immensely to our crimefighting efforts in order to keep residents safe. We support the Ombudsman’s request and call on any persons or organisations to make submissions that will further aid the investigation,” Allen added.
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