Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed concern over what he says is a lack of engagement by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on the potential expansion of Cape Town Metro Police powers.

Despite Cachalia’s recent indication that he has an "open mind" on the matter, the City of Cape Town reports a month of silence following the lodging of an intergovernmental dispute.

The city is seeking to amend the SAPS Act Amendment Bill currently before Parliament to allow Metro Police to investigate gang, gun, and drug-related crimes.

Hill-Lewis initiated an intergovernmental dispute last month. Under Section 42 of the Intergovernmental Framework Relations Act, both parties are required to meet "promptly" to establish a mediation process.

"It has been a month of silence despite the constitutional obligations to engage us promptly on our intergovernmental dispute," stated Hill-Lewis.

"Investigative powers for Metro Police are urgent for communities facing gang and drug crime. SAPS are under pressure and require the Metro Police’s assistance to increase conviction rates."

The mayor has proposed new dates for an online meeting to chart a way forward, aiming to resolve the matter.

The disagreement follows Cachalia's remarks to the Parliamentary Police Portfolio Committee, where he suggested that "cross-party consensus" was a prerequisite for granting these powers.

Hill-Lewis characterised this stance as a delay in necessary leadership.

"The Minister has the authority to amend the SAPS Act Amendment Bill he has tabled. It is unclear what further consensus is required, and this appears to be a delay in taking practical action," the mayor said.

He referenced Section 205 of the Constitution, which provides for local government policing functions "where appropriate".

He asserts that Cape Town’s Metro Police are resourced and ready to transition from a "catch and release" model to a "catch and convict" approach.

Safety and Security MMC Alderman JP Smith noted that expanding municipal policing powers is a tested strategy.

He cited the 2018 expansion of Municipal Peace Officer powers, which led to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP). Recently, LEAP officers confiscated four semi-automatic rifles during an arrest in Nyanga, highlighting their role in vulnerable areas.

"If we can reduce the flow of illegal firearms, we can decrease violent crime," said Smith.

"The city is already assisting through specialised units like the Safety and Security Investigation Unit and is prepared to do more.”