Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called for the resignation of Police Minister Bheki Cele, labelling the recent surge in violent crimes as ‘absolutely disturbing.’
As per News24, this statement came during a Western Cape Legislature session, where Winde commented on the increase in violent incidents, including mass murders in Gugulethu and Mfuleni and attacks on international tourists in townships like Nyanga.
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Winde criticised the allocation of police resources by the national ANC-run police, highlighting the inadequate response to these crime hotspots.
The premier’s remarks, however, faced interruptions from ANC members, leading to a heated debate in the legislature.
The call for Cele’s resignation is underpinned by fluctuating murder rates in the province. Despite a decrease in murders between January and June, recent statistics from Western Cape Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile show a 10.9% increase in murders from July to September. The province recorded 1 164 murders during this period.
The Institute for Security Studies’ recent report adds to the concern, revealing a steady increase in the murder rate over the past decade. Four provinces, including the Western Cape, contribute to 83% of the country’s murders.
Cele pointed out some positive developments in crime reduction, including breakthroughs in child pornography cases and a handle on cash heists. However, Winde remains critical, emphasising the need for devolution of police power and expressing distress over the high murder rates.
The legislative session was temporarily suspended due to disruptions.
In response to the rising crime rates, Cele announced the recruitment of 12 000 new officers in the 2023/2024 period, with a budget of R5.7 billion to maintain police staff numbers.
This initiative aims to add 30 000 officers by 2026. Despite these efforts, the ambitious target to reduce contact crime, including murder, by 30% in five years seems to be moving in the opposite direction, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies in curbing crime rates.
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