Policing powers debate heats up in Cape Town as Mayor Hill-Lewis calls out Cachalia

Cape Town's mayor has criticized Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia for remaining silent on the need for Metro Police to gain investigative powers amidst a rise in violence. Over a month ago, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis had called for such powers, especially to combat gang, gun, and drug-related crime. Between August 3 and 23, 145 people were murdered on the Cape Flats, with at least 29 deaths occurring in eight mass shootings since Operation Prosper began in April.

The most recent killings included three in Gugulethu and two others who were wounded. The city has offered rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions.

Hill-Lewis lodged an intergovernmental dispute with Cachalia on July 29, arguing that the issue needs to be addressed through mediation according to the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act. However, the mayor claims no meeting has taken place since the dispute was lodged. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the city wants the investigative powers for Metro Police to help alleviate the daily fear of crime among communities and to utilize all available resources, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) are under severe pressure and require assistance.

Hill-Lewis wrote to Cachalia again, proposing new dates for an initial online meeting after earlier dates failed to materialize. The minister's office said they were still considering the issue and unable to provide future engagements at this stage. Cachalia previously expressed an open mind about the matter but emphasized the need for cross-party consensus, which Hill-Lewis questioned as unnecessary.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith defended the city's support for SAPS, stating that the city is already assisting through existing structures and argued that local policing capacity is being underused. Retired SAPS Lieutenant-General and Advocate of the High Court Dr Lennit Max cautioned that expanded Metro Police powers alone would not prevent mass shootings, emphasizing the importance of preventing shootings before they occur.

Crime expert Calvin Rafadi agreed, advocating for proactive policing rather than merely reacting to incidents after they have taken place.