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In a written reply from the South African Police Service (SAPS), it was confirmed that their Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) has a vacancy rate of 38%. This means that out of the 232 granted positions, only 144 police officers are currently deployed to operate in this unit.

Even though the vacancy rate decreased from 76% to 38% during the 2022/21 financial year, it has remained constant for the past three financial years with the unit also experiencing a decrease in its operational budget this year.

Owing to the important role the AGU plays in combatting gangsterism in our communities, I will be submitting more written questions to ascertain the reasons for the current vacancies and whether SAPS has any plans to fill them.

Established more than three years ago, the AGU is made up of members from specialised units with the objective of weakening the capacity of gangs that are active in our country, whilst also disabling the economic activity that is linked to and supports gangsterism. This targeted approach has contributed towards fighting these illegal operations in the crime hotspots found in the Western Cape.

MPP Gillion Bosman says: “It is concerning that, given the recent flare-ups in murders in crime-stricken communities in Cape Town, the current capacitation of the Anti-Gang Unit remains unchanged. For us to be able to fight crime efficiently and strategically, every structure needs to have the necessary resources and personnel in order to operate effectively.

It is for this reason why the Western Cape Provincial Government introduced its own Reaction Unit in February this year. This unit, operating within the LEAP programme, acts as a force multiplier and assists SAPS when flare-ups in crime take place. As the DA, we look forward to the Reaction Unit being expanded to further boost our efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Issued by Gillion Bosman, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Safety