Police Oversight and Community Safety
Hon Ngqentsu
- What immediate measures has her Department put in place to protect schools, educators and learners from extortion-related violence, particularly in high-risk areas such as Philippi, and (b) how does her Department intend to address the systemic drivers of extortion crimes, such as unemployment and gang recruitment, to ensure long-term solutions beyond reactive policing?
(b) The Zanemfundo Primary School is in Philippi East policing precinct. The department works with SAPS and civil society to improve community police relations and build local safety partnerships, including supporting CPFs with guidance and funding. Subsequently, during the 2024/25 financial year, the Philippi East CPF applied for funding to run a drug awareness campaign. As part of ongoing efforts, the CPF also plans to engage with primary school learners to raise crime awareness and encourage prevention efforts. A community march, to show opposition against crime in the area, is planned for 3 May 2025
At a strategic level, POCS is the lead coordinator of the Western Cape Anti-Gang Implementation Plan. The department has commenced with conducting qualitative research to gain deeper insight into extortion and other related safety issues in murder priority areas. The findings of the research are being discussed at a strategic and local level; the main aim is to translate the findings into action and contribute towards a data-led and evidence informed implementation plan to address these social challenges. Furthermore, the department coordinates Anti-Gang Priority Committee, which is a transversal strategic meeting in which different departments participate and explore ways of how to strengthen responses to extortion and gang related issues. Such efforts align interventions and identify priorities through a whole of government approach.
Finally, the department will be hosting a high-level, multi-sectoral summit to develop a strategic and coordinated response to the escalating extortion crisis in the Western Cape towards the end of quarter 1 of 2025/26 financial year. The summit will convene key government agencies, law enforcement agencies, business leaders, and civil society to formulate cross-cutting interventions and sector-specific solutions. The summit aims to establish actionable measures that enhance law enforcement effectiveness, improve intelligence-sharing, disrupt illicit financial flows, and protect businesses and communities, educational institutions from extortion-related threats.
