Acting police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says the South African Police Service (SAPS) is finalising a revised stabilisation plan to address the ongoing gang violence and organised crime plauging the Western Cape.

In a recent statement, the minister said the plan was intitially developed in September last year following extensive consultations with provincial stakeholders, but requires more time to take effect as well as some adjustments.

The revised plan will reportedly includes enhanced deployment of specialised units, in addition to the Anti-Gang Unit, to areas most affected by gang-related violence.

“This enhanced approach aims to improve operational capability, increase police visibility, and strengthen intelligence-driven policing in hotspots across the province.”

According to the ministry, Cachalia has met and will still be meeting with several civil society, religious, and community-based organisations, which includes the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Cape Crime Crisis Coalition (C4), as part of government’s commitment to inclusive and community-centred policing.

As part of his ongoing programme, Cachalia will also reportedly meet with the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde as well as stakeholders in Kayamandi and Cloetesville in Stellenbosch in the coming weeks.

These engagements are reportedly to discuss policing challenges in the Western Cape and strengthen measures to improve safety in communities across the province.