Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has cautioned that declaring a state of emergency is not a simple or immediate solution to the escalating gang violence in Cape Town’s townships, despite growing public concern over the crisis.
Gang-related violence continues to claim lives across the Cape Flats, with recent reports pointing to an increase in murders and the recruitment of children into criminal networks.
The severity of the situation has led some sectors of society to urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a state of emergency in an effort to curb the violence.
Responding to a parliamentary question from uMkhonto Wesizwe MP Andile Mngxitama, Cachalia explained that the authority to declare a state of emergency rests solely with the President and is governed by strict constitutional and legislative provisions.
He noted that such a declaration can only be made in terms of an Act of Parliament and is limited in duration.
Cachalia reiterated that earlier this year, President Ramaphosa rejected calls for a state of emergency in the Western Cape, emphasising the need for careful consideration of its potential consequences.
He warned that while a state of emergency allows for extraordinary measures, it can also have far-reaching and restrictive effects, making it unsuitable as a long-term response to a deeply rooted problem.
According to Cachalia, gang violence requires sustained, multi-faceted interventions that address its underlying causes and involve multiple stakeholders.
He highlighted that law enforcement efforts are ongoing, with police conducting intelligence-led operations, targeted deployments in identified hotspot areas, and working closely with affected communities.
He added that as gangs operate as organised and mobile criminal enterprises, the South African Police Service has adjusted its strategies to respond more effectively.
Specialised units, supported by continuous intelligence gathering, are actively disrupting gang operations and weakening their influence, including activities that extend beyond provincial boundaries.
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