Parties weigh in on expanding metro police investigative powers

Various political parties have voiced their opinions on the City's proposal to expand metro police investigative powers. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis recently stated that the City has lodged a dispute with the government over the matter, after initial attempts to negotiate with the Police Minister. The Police Minister has opposed the expansion of policing powers, arguing it would be unconstitutional.

Ferlon Christians, leader of the ACDP in the Western Cape, supports the expansion, stating that it would enhance law enforcement capacity and improve the fight against crime. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration between Metro Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS). However, the EFF's Cape metro regional chairperson, Ntsikelelo Tyandela, criticized the move, alleging that it shows the ANC's inadequate policing efforts and suggests a potential racial bias from the DA.

Ganief Hendricks, leader of Al-Jama-Ah, believes that delegating investigative power to Metro Police is a positive step, but not under the DA's rule, as they see it as a political strategy to exit Cape Town and stage a regime change. Freedom Front Plus councillor Emre Uygun also supports the intergovernmental dispute, arguing that policing and investigative powers should be devolved to local governments.

Rochelle Minnaar, a councillor for the National Coloured Congress, cautioned against the creation of bureaucratic layers without ensuring visible police presence and successful convictions, and stressed the need for a criminal justice system that delivers justice for communities.