The three spheres of government have officially signed a Cooperation Agreement to pool their resources and hereby collectively fight crime in the Western Cape. The signing ceremony, on Friday, 30 August, was held at Erica Park Sports Ground, Belhar in Cape Town.
The anti-crime pact will see the South African Police Service (SAPS) join ties with the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town.
Honoured to have the President of the Republic, @CyrilRamaphosa attend the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between @SAPoliceService @WesternCapeGov and @CityofCT
This is indeed a pivotal milestone in our collective effort to ensure the safety and security of our… pic.twitter.com/aA7BJcb6ku— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) August 30, 2024
Many have called the historic turn of events surprising because the SAPS and CoCT law enforcement agencies have, for many years, been at loggerheads. The two entities have finally chosen to put their differences aside, as crime levels continue to rise in the metro and wider province. The move follows the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The agreement will take immediate effect and will remain in place for the duration of the 7th administration. While delivering his keynote address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is heeding the call by residents for an urgent intervention to address crime.
“We are taking decisive action to combat crime here in Cape Town, which has become the capital city of criminality, gang violence, murder, and other related criminal activities including drug peddling and abuse,” said ramaphosa
He said people have had enough.
Let us continue to work together to realise a Cape Town, a Western Cape and a South Africa that has no place for criminals and crime.
https://t.co/DP30Xv4O6N— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 30, 2024
“Our people have had enough of criminals terrorizing our communities and making them live in fear. Today, by signing this Cooperation Agreement, we are saying enough is enough,” said ramaphosa
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu explained why the project is being launched in this particular province.
“The City, alone, contributes close to 80% of crimes in the whole of the Western Cape. This morning, we released crime statistics for the last quarter of the previous financial year and the first quarter of the current financial year. The Western Cape recorded the highest increase in murder cases,” said Mchunu.
[READ MORE]Mchunu: Crime is generally on the increase
Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde reflected on why the day’s event was fitting.
“It is a significant day today because it is exactly 5 years ago that Jessie Hess was murdered as a result of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and we must not let her, along with so many others, in our region and in our country die in vain,” added Winde.
The pilot project will eventually be rolled out to other provinces.
