The Western Cape SAPS said it is ready to support any lawful course of action that will restore confidence in it.
This follows the release of the controversial Western Cape Police Ombudsman’s report on Thursday, which outlines possible capture of the police by local gangs. Premier Alan Winde tabled a redacted version of the report on the same day.
“We have a duty to do everything we can to force those with the power to shine a light
on what is potentially one of the darkest hours of not just the Western Cape, but South
Africa’s criminal justice system. I believe that duty extends to this House, too,” said Winde.
This was done at the request of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, which recently brought renewed focus to allegations of possible gang infiltration within the provincial police.
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During his speech in the provincial Parliament, Premier Winde described gang-related violence in the province as “a pandemic affecting far too many of our residents in the Western Cape”. He emphasised the need for decisive action, stressing that the issue “is not an issue to be cheaply politicised” but one that requires unified efforts across government and civil society.
The report and renewed attention were prompted by the 2022 bail appeal judgement by Judge Daniel Thulare, which raised concerns about possible organised crime infiltration of the SAPS, specifically involving the 28s gang. The Premier said if these allegations were true, they would represent “the greatest betrayals of our residents since the dawn of our democracy”.
Winde further reiterated that he had long called for full investigations, though delays by national authorities have slowed progress.
Dr Llewellyn MacMaster, chairperson of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, praised the Premier for releasing the report, but has now shifted his focus to Provincial Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, criticising him for supposedly not cooperating with the Ombudsman.
“Our view is that the categorisation of the complaints is not only an abuse of his position, but failure to collaborate and make available information to the Police Ombudsman should be a criminal offence… Whose interest does this stonewalling of the police Ombudsman serve?”
He called for Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile and his executive to be held accountable, demanding that “the Premier and his Executive give notice that they have lost confidence in his ability to protect the people of the Western Cape against gangs”.
Responding on 14 October, the SAPS in the Western Cape reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation. The service noted that Provincial Commissioner Patekile “extended his full and unconditional cooperation to the Ombudsman’s office throughout the investigation”.
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SAPS stated it remains “resolute in the fight against organised crime, gangsterism and corruption, and is committed to accountability, transparency and professional policing”.
It pledged to continue engaging with provincial and national bodies to ensure that “where evidence of misconduct is found, appropriate action follows”.
