Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to stop releasing arrested drug dealers back into local communities.

This comes after a suspect arrested by Metro Police officers in Woodlands for possessing 30 packets of tik was released on unrestricted bail without opposition by the NPA, despite a prior conviction for drug possession and charges for murder and assault.

The suspect, who was arrested on 9 April, appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday for suspected drug dealing. Hill-Lewis, who reportedly witnessed the suspect’s arrest first-hand, had previously called on the Regional NPA to impose stricter bail conditions after it was found that the suspect has past convictions and charges.

Despite this, the matter was postponed for a second time until 14 August, with no chnages made to the suspect’s bail.

“The NPA and SAPS practice of “catch and release” is not acceptable to communities living in fear of gang, gun and drug crime,” said Hill-Lewis

“This is the same drug dealer I personally witnessed our Metro Police arrest for possession of 30 packets of tik back in April. It is now July, and the trial has not proceeded while the suspect freely operates in the community,”

Hill-Lewis has called on the NPA to instruct its prosecutors to oppose bail for violent drug dealers in gang-impacted communities on the Cape Flats, and to advocate for strict bail conditions wherever needed.

“Low conviction rates for gang, gun and drug crime is exactly why the City is calling for more policing powers for Metro Police, particularly to investigate crime and build case dockets.” said Hill-Lewis

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