Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety 2024/25 Annual Performance Plan & related matters

Meeting report

The Chairperson expressed a word of welcome, stating that he had been elected as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Police Oversight and Community Safety, as well as for Art, Sports and Culture. The focus of the current meeting was on the Police Oversight and Community Safety component. A follow-up meeting with the other departments under the Committee's purview would be held.

He suggested that Members introduce themselves, since not everyone might know each other yet, and also requested that the Department and the Minister formally introduce themselves before proceeding with the agenda.

He described this as a "kick-off" meeting, intended to establish a starting point. The purpose was to ensure that all Members had the same information, to provide an overview of the Department, and to review the annual performance plan (APP) included in the presentation. He proposed establishing an inclusive process for planning oversight visits, where Members could offer their input on priority areas for consideration, clarifying that it was not necessary to decide on all the oversight visits at that time, but rather to initiate the process.

The Chairperson invited Ms A Cassiem (EFF) to begin the introductions, suggesting that they work their way around the table. Members were asked to indicate their party affiliation and whether they were full or alternate members. The following Members introduced themselves:

• Ms A Cassiem (EFF)
• Ms D Stephens (PA)
• Mr G Jacobs (NCC)
• Mr M Booysen (DA)
• Mr B Ngqentsu (ANC)
• Ms W Philander (DA)
• Ms B van Minnen (DA)

The procedural officer, Mr Waseem Matthews, introduced himself as well.

The Chairperson, Mr Thomas Walters (DA), reintroduced himself as Chairperson of the Committee.

Mr Hilton Arendse, acting Head of Department (HOD), Police Oversight and Community Safety -- and normally the Head: Information Technology in the Department of the Premier -- introduced himself.

Ms Anroux Marais, Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, expressed her pleasure at being present.

Minister’s opening remarks

Minister Marais said a strategic session had taken place the previous day, during which ministerial goals were discussed. Although the priorities differed slightly, four goals had been aligned with her priorities. Her performance agreement with the Premier would be finalised on Friday, after which she would release those priorities.

One of the ministerial goals was to improve the relationship between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Western Cape Government, particularly in terms of collaboration between different spheres of government. The first meeting had taken place with the national Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, the City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman Jean-Pierre Smith, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town, herself, as well as the acting Head of the Department and an advocate from their office. A presentation had been made to Cabinet, and the detailed draft of the memorandum of understanding was expected to be sent through by the national Minister. She promised to inform the Committee after the signing of the document about its specific details.

 

Minister Marais said that the differences that existed would be addressed. She also requested more frequent crime statistics, expressing a preference for receiving them monthly instead of quarterly. She receives weekly homicide statistics from the Department, finding them quite daunting, and preferred a more hands-on approach to these figures.

She said the Western Cape must receive its fair share of police officers, and emphasised the need for a 12% allocation of police officers, which she believed was fair. The devolution of powers with the City of Cape Town was also highlighted as an important aspect of her work.

Lastly, the Minister stressed the importance of raising the morale of SAPS officers at stations and improving their working conditions. She mentioned her visits to various stations, which were not intended to assign blame but to identify ways to support SAPS officials to be more effective in their roles. The focus was on improving service delivery.

Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety briefing on crime reduction

Mr Arendse, Acting Head of Department, said he would review the presentation, outlining the strategic focus for the new term. He acknowledged that while the current APP had been drafted under the previous Minister and pertained to the previous term, adjustments would be necessary to align with the new strategic plan. Changes would be made as new issues arose, and the Department’s view was that continuous repetition without change would not yield different results. Consequently, the Department was looking to introduce improvements.

He provided a background on current realities, including a pervasive culture of violence within the province. He said organised crime was becoming more complex, citing a recent stakeholder engagement in Hanover Park, where it had been reported that gang members were now receiving salaries. This development has led to increased violence as members switch gangs, creating leadership vacuums within communities and contributing to ongoing violence.

Mr Arendse highlighted the issue of extortion affecting both government and private sector contracts. Key drivers of violence included youth gangs, firearms, and unemployment. To address this, there were ongoing collaborations with the various departments to reintroduce regular sports in schools. He acknowledged the need for more resources for community initiatives, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums. He stressed the importance of addressing the psychological impact of crime on communities.

He discussed the challenges posed by high-risk parolees and end-of-term prisoners, as well as the need to strengthen both urban and rural municipalities. He pointed out that gangs were moving to less secure areas when it became too dangerous in the city, creating new areas of concern.

He also highlighted the need for uniformity in municipal law enforcement officers' uniforms and cars to improve recognition and effectiveness. He stressed the importance of aligning strategies across different law enforcement entities, and the need for better control over firearms.

Regarding workplace security, Mr Arendse acknowledged challenges in maintaining essential services while managing internal safety concerns, including cyber security threats and violence in the workplace. He emphasised the importance of uninterrupted services and improving data communications outside the metro areas.

He discussed the Department’s focus on impactful violence prevention programmes, community empowerment, and evidence-based policing. He highlighted ongoing efforts to address the root causes of violence and crime, including unemployment, substance abuse, and lack of recreational activities. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to reducing the murder rate, even if it did not achieve the aspirational target of a 50% reduction. The focus would be on high homicide areas to bring down the murder rate effectively.

Mr Arendse said the focus was currently on employee capacitation, highlighting the need to establish a robust central safety coordination team within their Department. At present, there is a lack of a strong centralised safety coordination team, with safety initiatives being scattered across various sectors, including education and health. While some departments had safety initiatives, they were not properly coordinated. He said the Minister would lead in reporting to the provincial Cabinet on a monthly basis, and that the Management Committee (MANCO) would review the results and determine the way forward.

One of the key priorities was to create a safety culture among citizens, which included using interactive billboards to display homicide statistics and emphasise positive safety messages. The goal was to foster a shift in mindset both within communities and among criminals, to discourage violent crimes. Another priority was to enhance safety awareness among young men aged 25 to 35, as this age group constituted a significant portion of both victims and perpetrators of violent crimes.

Mr Arendse also highlighted the importance of positive role models in communities. This involved focusing on community leaders and prominent figures who could offer hope and contribute to changing the community culture. There was also an emphasis on increasing the number of neighbourhood watches and strengthening municipal law enforcement capacity, including better coordination between peace officers and neighbourhood watches.

There were plans to improve community safety through a citizen safety app, and to address different needs in rural and urban areas by tailoring support accordingly. This included enhancing communication infrastructure for better safety and support for community safety forums.

Regarding the victim and perpetrator rehabilitation programmes, Mr Arendse acknowledged the need for deeper discussions on effective pathways out of gangsterism, and developing the capacity to handle conflict and support victims. He underscored the importance of evidence-based policing, using data to optimise patrols in high crime areas, and improving technological integration for tracking and communication.

Finally, he addressed the necessity of aligning strategies and focusing on reducing murder rates, highlighting ongoing efforts and future commitments to improve safety through technology and collaborative strategies.

(See attached for full presentation)

Discussion

Ms Van Minnen conveyed her concerns regarding the timing and content of the report, which had been received late the previous afternoon. She acknowledged the effort in presenting the dense amount of information, but indicated that a thorough review might raise additional questions.

She asked whether the strategy to increase policing would also encompass the enhancement of detective services, noting the current under-resourcing in this area. She also sought clarification on the extent of the reported issues of extortion, questioning the accuracy of media reports and whether there had been an increase in crimes such as kidnapping, which she believed might be linked to extortion.

She highlighted the significance of addressing cyber-crime, and suggested that future discussions should delve into technological aspects and financial implications. She pointed out jurisdictional challenges often arose with cyber-crime incidents, where local stations may lack the expertise to manage such cases effectively due to uncertainty over where and how the crime occurred.

Regarding homicide reduction, Ms Van Minnen acknowledged the effectiveness of hotspot patrolling and evidence-based approaches, but raised concerns about domestic violence. She questioned the effectiveness of traditional policing methods in preventing domestic violence, which often occurred within private homes, and sought to understand what measures the Department could implement to address and reduce murders resulting from domestic violence.

Ms Philander pointed out an issue with the presentation, specifically that the pages were not marked, which posed a challenge.

She then questioned the approach to interdepartmental collaboration, particularly in relation to the issues mentioned in the presentation, such as high school dropout rates, the lack of recreational and skills development activities for youth, and substance abuse. She inquired whether there was anticipated collaboration between the Department of Social Development, the Department of Education, and potentially the Department of Health, to address these issues.

Her second question addressed funding and resource support for community organisations. She sought clarification on the approach for the new financial year to ensure that necessary resources were allocated to community organisations and individuals actively working to combat crime in their areas.

Lastly, Ms Philander questioned the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) deployment for the 2024/25 year, particularly in relation to areas outside the central metro. She noted that crime was increasingly spreading to outer areas, and asked whether the LEAP programme or other initiatives would address these expanding crime zones before the situation worsened. She also sought information on how the Department planned to assist municipalities in strengthening their law enforcement capacities in these regions.

Ms Cassiem outlined three main points of concern.

Firstly, she addressed the issue of community safety priorities, and noted a perceived lack of focus on drug-related issues in the presented priorities. She pointed out that despite previous inquiries, there had been no clear response regarding the province's efforts to combat drug trafficking, particularly in areas like Mitchells Plain. She requested information on how many drug houses had been identified and shut down in the Western Cape, especially in gang-infested communities, since 2019. She also sought details on the plan of action for the new term to address drug dens in these communities.

Secondly, she raised concerns about law enforcement in farming areas and informal settlements. She highlighted the shortage of resources, including vehicles, and questioned what plans were in place to enhance law enforcement in areas like the horticultural sector, which had over 20 informal settlements. She emphasised the safety concerns faced by women in these areas, including incidents of rape and attacks, and asked whether there was a plan to increase law enforcement's presence and resources, such as mobile police stations, in these regions.

Her third point concerned the allocation of law enforcement vehicles, commenting that there were reports of multiple vans being stationed at a specific location nightly, which she observed as creating a blockage and possibly affecting the availability of resources elsewhere. She sought clarification on the reason for this deployment and its impact on the availability of vehicles for other areas in need.

Lastly, Ms Cassiem inquired about plans to address extortion in communities, noting that many businesses were closing down due to fear. She requested information on strategies to combat extortion effectively in the new term.

Department's response

Mr Arendse stated that increasing the number of detectives was a priority because the current caseload per detective was excessively high, making it physically impossible for them to manage all the cases effectively. He acknowledged that while some cases of kidnapping were linked to extortion, many were not. Extortion often involves a business being coerced into paying for protection, whereas kidnapping usually involves a ransom demand.

He noted that the focus on cybercrime fell under community safety and police oversight. However, local police stations lacked the specialised skills required to tackle cybercrime, which specialised units should handle.

Regarding domestic violence, Mr Arendse highlighted the challenge of policing such cases, as they usually occur within private homes. The Department was focusing on addressing the actions of perpetrators and ensuring the safety of victims by providing secure spaces and victim support rooms at police stations. They were also developing strategies to handle domestic violence more effectively.

In terms of interdepartmental collaboration, he mentioned the development of a new provincial strategic plan that involved coordination among various departments, including social development, education, and health. He noted that sessions were planned to bring together different stakeholders, including the SAPS, to ensure a unified approach to crime prevention.

On the topic of funding and support, he indicated that community organisations were provided with funding based on business cases, up to a maximum of R10 000, along with necessary equipment. He acknowledged the need to address drug dens more effectively, and was working with the SAPS to focus on shutting down these operations rather than merely increasing arrests.

Mr Arendse acknowledged the need for a tailored approach to address safety and law enforcement concerns for farming areas outside the metro. He emphasised the importance of providing safe spaces for victims of violence and ensuring a comprehensive plan was in place.

He would follow up on the specific concern involving the parked police vans. He also acknowledged the challenge of extortion and gang-related crime, stressing the need for a coordinated strategy involving multiple partners to strengthen the SAPS's ability to address these issues.

Finally, Mr Arendse assured that the Department, under new leadership, would take a more proactive role in coordinating efforts and ensuring detailed plans for crime prevention and safety were in place.

Minister's comments

Minister Marais highlighted the close collaboration with the Department of Social Development (DSD) through their gender-based violence (GBV) ambassadors. These ambassadors primarily supported victims or survivors, rather than focusing on prevention. She acknowledged the need for more preventative programmes, and expressed a desire to explore new and different approaches to addressing GBV, recognising that existing programmes had not been sufficiently effective.

She emphasised the importance of innovating beyond traditional methods, and recalled the Premier's directive to work collaboratively across departments to address community safety issues. She stressed the necessity of integrating social workers and coordinating efforts among various departments to improve overall safety and well-being in communities.

Further discussion

Ms Philander thanked the team for their responses, expressing her appreciation for the positive direction being taken to address various community challenges. She acknowledged the comprehensive nature of the answers provided, but sought further clarification on a few specific points.

Firstly, she inquired about the planned deployments under the LEAP programme in the outer areas. She wanted to know at what stage these areas would be included in the deployment plans, and how they would be incorporated.

Secondly, she requested additional details on the strategic plans and the role of the signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs). She sought to understand how these agreements aligned with the strategic approach, and how the inclusion of outer municipalities would fit into the broader strategy.

Lastly, Ms Philander sought clarification regarding the time frame for community stakeholders or members to apply for support from the Department. She emphasised the need for clear information on the application process and the deadlines associated with securing resources for community initiatives.

Ms Cassiem had a follow-up question regarding extortion, as she felt that the information provided on this issue was insufficient. She wanted information about the province's plan of action concerning extortion, particularly concerning gangs. She asked whether specific gangs had been identified, and requested details on how many arrests had been made. She also sought any available reports or additional information on the matter.

Department's response

Minister Marais addressed the issue by clarifying that the recent incident in Khayelitsha, which Ms Cassiem had mentioned, was not strictly an extortion case, but might have some connection to extortion. The police handled the situation well, but there were challenges with the legal process, as the case did not adhere to the 48-hour rule. Three individuals had been arrested, but one remained in hospital, and the issue was not solely a result of police work. She commented that sometimes the problem involved the broader support systems, rather than the police alone.

Ms Cassiem responded by emphasising that her inquiry was not focused specifically on Khayelitsha, but was about extortion and gang activities in general. She had sought clarity on these issues beyond the Khayelitsha context.

The Chairperson intervened, expressing concern about the developing dialogue and the need to address other Members' questions. He acknowledged that there was outstanding data regarding extortion, and said that the Committee would also be looking into it.

Mr Arendse said that a comprehensive anti-gang strategy was already in place. He suggested that instead of delving into specific details at the moment, it would be more effective to present the entire anti-gang strategy to the Committee at a later date. He indicated that once the Minister or Chairperson agreed, the Committee would be given a detailed presentation on the anti-gang strategy. During this presentation, relevant stakeholders would be involved, and both anti-gang and extortion issues would be addressed comprehensively.

Further discussion

Mr Jacobs expressed his gratitude for being part of the discussion, even as an alternate NCC Member. He highlighted the disparity between the on-the-ground realities and reported data, emphasising that direct observations often differed from official reports.

He began by addressing the issue of drug dens, suggesting that many such properties belonged to the City of Cape Town. He proposed that to tackle the problem effectively, action should start with these city-owned properties.

Regarding extortion, he pointed out the various dimensions of the issue. He recalled that before 2005, a 30% allocation for local people in construction projects had been in place, but this was later removed, leading to increased extortion. He also noted that sometimes genuine contractors, who had received deposits, might falsely report extortion to avoid fulfilling their contracts. He suggested reinstating the 30% allocation for local people might help reduce extortion.

Mr Jacobs then shifted to discuss school programmes, mentioning the lack of extracurricular activities and sporting facilities, contributing to issues such as gang elements in schools. He criticised discontinuing valuable programmes like the "Mr Price initiative" and the "Red Door programme" in Mitchells Plain, which had supported local entrepreneurs and small businesses. He argued that removing such programmes created gaps that led to current problems, and suggested that the lack of opportunities had driven some individuals towards crime.

Mr Ngqentsu began by acknowledging the Department's efforts regarding the police and community safety. He expressed his appreciation for the priorities outlined, but noted the need for further integration with the performance agreements from the Premier. He also recognised the potential for improved relationships between the various spheres of government, as opposed to what he described as past “beauty contests,” where responses to challenges were superficial.

He conveyed disappointment at the joint statement issued with Mr Smith, suggesting that it did not reflect well on the police or the Provincial Commissioner, and painted them in a negative light. He said that while the report detailed problems like extortion and gangs, it lacked a clear response strategy within the police oversight and community safety priorities. He critiqued the reliance on interactive billboards as a preventive measure, arguing that this did not address the root causes of crime effectively.

He also discussed the need for a comprehensive review of priorities to better address crime prevention. For instance, he highlighted issues in Philippi and other working-class areas, where poor infrastructure contributed to crimes like smash-and-grab incidents and robberies. He argued that the focus on preventive measures should be more substantial, and should involve revising priorities to tackle the core issues.

Regarding policing in the Western Cape, he criticised the lack of evidence-based approaches, questioning the need for new methods when existing systems, like crime analysis and policing based on trends, should be utilised. He suggested that improvements should be made to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation within the criminal justice system, including collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to address issues where cases were dismissed in court due to procedural problems.

Mr Ngqentsu also expressed concern about the interplay between criminal networks, business elements, and state departments. He cited a past incident involving a strike and a kidnapping to illustrate the potential nexus between criminal enterprises and elements within state institutions. He urged attention to this issue, and recommended that the Department examine the extent of involvement of various state organs in criminal activities.

Lastly, he acknowledged the importance of victim support facilities, and called for a thorough review of the priorities and strategies presented, ensuring they addressed the broader issues highlighted by Members. He cautioned against superficial responses and emphasised the need for a strategic approach in deploying resources, such as not removing police officers from areas where their presence had effectively reduced crime.

Mr Ngqentsu concluded with a note on the importance of discretion in public engagements related to crime and policing, suggesting that over-publicising plans could undermine their effectiveness.

Mr Booysen began by indicating that his comments would largely be reflections on issues he had encountered previously. Many of the topics covered so far were familiar to him, and he intended to connect his comments to his own experiences.

He started by referencing the Minister’s recent example involving the 48-hour period. He said a recurring issue with community safety workshops that the province initiates was that despite numerous workshops being conducted in various communities, the judiciary was frequently not in attendance. This absence means that important issues, such as the conditions for bail and the reasons behind judicial decisions, were not explained to the community. As a result, the community tended to blame the SAPS for problems that were, in fact, judicial issues.

He then addressed a broader problem concerning the different ranks and the lack of respect and coordination among law enforcement agencies. He referred to a situation he had experienced while serving on the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) structure. He explained that there were discrepancies in the training duration, and the ranks between traffic officers and police officers, which led to tensions and undermining among the various agencies when they responded to incidents together. He suggested that the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and municipal authorities should work towards achieving uniformity in training and rank structures, to foster better cooperation and respect among different law enforcement bodies.

Mr Booysen shared his support for the concept of devolution, based on his personal experiences. He recounted an incident from his time on the National Committee for Safety, where he had observed that local police officers were unresponsive and unaccountable, which left local authorities powerless to address issues effectively. He argued that devolution could enable more immediate and effective action at the local level, reducing the need to escalate issues to the national authorities, and potentially speeding up responses.

He also recounted a recent personal experience involving a domestic violence case, where SAPS stations were inaccessible, and private security guards had been present instead. He criticised the current situation where private security seemed to be more involved in safeguarding police stations than the police themselves. He questioned whether this created a climate of fear that benefited private security firms while leaving the community and the police at a disadvantage.

Finally, Mr Booysen addressed the issue of mediation in communities. He drew from his past experience during the xenophobic violence in 2006-2007, where a local religious fraternity had played a crucial role in mediating and providing safety for affected individuals. He proposed that the Department should revisit and strengthen initiatives related to community mediation, including training mediators in each district. This would ensure that conflicts were managed effectively before law enforcement needed to intervene, potentially preventing escalation.

Ms Stephens stated that the Department was responsible for fostering good relations between the police and the community. However, the alarming reality was that trust in the police force across the Western Cape was at an all-time low. Communities felt abandoned, and the escalating violence highlighted the failure of current strategies. She questioned what the new plan would be, given that previous approaches had not succeeded.

She then inquired about the removal of Kraaifontein from the priority structure, as she was from Kraaifontein, and commented that the crime situation there had not improved. She recounted a recent incident where she had been called to a local tavern in Kraaifontein because her daughter was there. Young girls as young as 13 or 14 years old were reportedly present, along with many gangsters. She described an encounter where her husband had been threatened by a gangster recently released from prison.

She also described how young gang members, some as young as 14, had caused damage at a local garage, vandalising cars. She mentioned issues with contacting the police, citing unresponsive lines and the lack of available police vehicles due to servicing.

Ms Stephens expressed concern about the removal of Kraaifontein from the crime priority list, despite ongoing issues in areas like Scottsville. She highlighted the slow police response times, which contributed to the prevalence of gang violence and crime. She described how gang conflicts in areas such as Blommeland and the ghettos had made it unsafe for community members to attend church or walk through these areas.

She described incidents where gang members had attempted to kill a matriculant and later targeted her own home, leading to police securing her house overnight. She also mentioned that providing information to the police sometimes led to retaliation from gang members, who were alerted by someone within the police force.

Mr Ngqentsu suggested that a meeting should be convened with all the municipalities in the province to discuss their respective safety plans, actions, and responses to the challenges they faced. He believed such a meeting would help ensure coherence and alignment between the provincial plans and those of the municipalities.

Department's response

Minister Marais noted the comments and questions raised by the Committee, and asked Ms Stephens for the name of the local pub, inquiring if it was the one located in Scottsville, which Ms Stephens confirmed.

Mr Arendse responded by addressing the issue of drug dens in Cape Town. He agreed with the Chairperson that this matter would be part of a collaborative agreement between the city and relevant entities. The process of identifying and shutting down these drug dens would be managed between the city and the appropriate authorities.

He referred to the 30% local economic development (LED) issue, which he said was related to perceived extortion, and would need to be addressed with the relevant department.

He provided context on the extramural activities programme, noting that some Members were unhappy with the proposed changes. He emphasised the need to find a middle ground among the different stakeholders involved.

Mr Arendse further discussed the lack of recreational facilities in rural areas like Prince Albert, and mentioned the closure of the Red Door programme. He suggested that the Department of Economic Development and Tourism should explore replacements for such programmes, which provided valuable business advice to young people.

He also touched on the provincial strategic plan, acknowledging that the current communications programme might not fully address the root causes identified. To address these challenges, he stressed the importance of collaboration among various departments, including the Department of Social Development, the Department of Education, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and the Department of Mobility. He agreed that the plans needed to be more comprehensive, and mentioned the importance of internal audits and oversight from various bodies to guide the Department's actions.

Regarding policing, he said that while policing reports had been based on evidence, there was a need for more detailed assessments of crime hotspots. New data from the health department, including global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, would now be provided to the relevant entities to improve their focus on specific areas.

He agreed with the inclusion of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in discussions. He acknowledged the need to address the issue of extortion in a manner that did not compromise their strategies. He emphasised the importance of keeping certain strategies confidential, especially in the context of cyber security, and suggested a more detailed presentation to the Committee on these strategies.

Mr Arendse agreed that there was a need for further discussion on extortion, involving all relevant stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town, the anti-gang unit, and other key players. He also addressed the issue of hierarchy within departments, comparing it to the information technology (IT) environment, where power struggles often occur despite varying levels of experience and education.

He said that during the engagement in Prince Albert, the City of Cape Town had been involved and was fully supportive of the process. They also had SALGA and 21 municipalities on board to move forward with the initiative, ensuring consistency and collaboration. He gave an assurance that SALGA was completely on board and working with them on the matter. Although it had been mentioned that metros could be stumbling blocks, in this instance, the City was eager to collaborate, and was providing training to municipal members through its training facilities.

Regarding the issues of xenophobia and mediator training, he emphasised that this would be a key focus, with community safety plans being standardised across all districts. He highlighted the importance of mediator training, especially in situations where victims required psychosocial support at times when police stations were closed or unavailable. He mentioned the need for oversight in identifying these gaps and ensuring proper interventions, particularly in cases of GBV that tended to occur late at night or early in the morning.

Mr Arendse said that the devolution of powers would be addressed by politicians. He noted that there was still work to be done to explore the economy around private security and other related markets. He also addressed concerns about the trust in police being at an all-time low. He stressed the importance of improving police efficiency, effectiveness, and competence to restore public trust, recognising this would be a gradual process.

He mentioned the existence of a quick response (QR) code at police stations for reporting service levels, though few people were aware of it. On the issue of policing in areas like Philippi East and Nyanga, he explained that decisions were based on homicide statistics, which led to prioritising resources in those areas over others like Claremont. However, he assured the Committee that policing services would still be available in all areas, but with a more concentrated effort where needed due to limited resources.

Further discussion

The Chairperson expressed concern about the time, indicating that if colleagues wished to do follow-ups, they should keep them brief. He said the rest of the presentation still needed to be completed, and asked if it was possible to wait until after the presentation, or if the follow-ups were pertinent to what had just been raised.

Ms Philander raised a question regarding the planned LEAP deployments for 2024-2025, specifically inquiring about the inclusion of outer areas in those plans. She also asked about the time frame for applications concerning business case kits for stakeholders that assist communities.

Department's response

Mr Arendse responded by addressing the last question first, clarifying that there was no specific time frame for submissions, meaning there was no need to submit by a certain date to avoid forfeiture. He explained that the funding depended on the strength of the business case.

Regarding LEAP in the outer areas, he said that municipal LEAP officers were deployed outside of the metro. He noted that there was a graduation in Robertson with 30 graduates last year, and in Mbekweni, with 22. He emphasised that law enforcement or safety officers were deployed in those areas depending on the need.

The Chairperson reminded colleagues that if there were any additional matters to discuss, they should keep in mind the formal questions process and the possibility of addressing these issues in future meetings. He then suggested continuing with the legislative mandate and the related apps. He mentioned that he came from an environment with a high work ethic, and expressed concern about not suppressing discussion while also being mindful of the time.

He emphasised the importance of completing the presentation, and acknowledged that everyone probably had commitments later in the day. He mentioned the need to consider programming and other factors, but believed there would be agreement on the approach.

Department's annual performance plan

Mr Arendse said this part of the discussion would cover the constitutional mandates and the annual performance plan. The APP, which had already been submitted to the legislature, would be discussed in quarterly engagements, so there would not be an in-depth discussion on that today. The main focus was on the mandates of the Department and the Committee, particularly concerning policing.

Firstly, the Department’s mandate was outlined in Chapter 11 of the Constitution. It was responsible for determining the policing needs and priorities of the province. A document detailing these needs and priorities, known as the Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP), should be distributed to the Committee if it has not been already. This document was essential for the Committee’s work.

The Department’s responsibilities included monitoring police conduct as per Section 206, overseeing the effectiveness and efficiency of police services, and promoting good relations with the Cabinet member responsible for policing. It also collaborates with various stakeholders, and has the authority to investigate and appoint a commission of inquiry when necessary. Additionally, it could refer complaints to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and monitor these investigations. When summoned, the Provincial Commissioner was required to appear before the provincial legislature or its Committees.

Furthermore, the Department adheres to the Constitution of the Western Cape, the Western Cape Community Safety Act, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service Act. These acts mandate establishing partnerships and managing community safety structures, including neighbourhood watches and community police forums (CPF). It also oversees security services for provincial buildings, ensuring compliance with various acts such as the Private Security Industry Regulation Act and the Western Cape Liquor Act.

The liquor authority fell under the Department’s jurisdiction. If there were concerns about underage individuals in licensed liquor outlets, these could be reported to the liquor authority, which had the power to revoke licences. The Department was also involved in joint planning with the liquor authority to improve safety, and would be overseeing amendments to the Western Cape Liquor Act, including the introduction of minimum pricing.

The Department's budget was R763 million, with significant allocations to the Western Cape Police Ombudsman and the liquor authority. Its administration, including finance, communication strategy, and the Ministerial Office, was managed under Programme 1. Notably, the Department received an unqualified audit report for the 16th consecutive year, which was an unmatched achievement in the country.

Programme 2 focuses on providing oversight over law enforcement agencies, with output indicators currently centred on the number of reports, meetings and assessments. However, the Department was working to shift from a compliance-based reporting approach to one that emphasises impact and outcomes, particularly in community safety.

Programme 4 deals with security management, including the security of provincial buildings and advisory services on occupational health and safety. The Department was also working on improving governance practices and aligning deliverables with their community impact.

Finally, Mr Arendse mentioned that the Department was in the process of filling key vacancies, including the positions of Chief Director for Management Support and the Head of Department (HOD). The Department was stable and had a productive workforce, and efforts were being made to move towards a more outcome-focused approach to delivering services.

(See attached for full presentation)

Discussion

Mr Booysen said he had never heard of a liquor oversight visit before, as his focus had always been on police stations. He was pleasantly surprised, given the existence of very large liquor outlets in their constituencies, some of which were notorious. He had never considered that liquor outlets could be part of their statutory work. He asked whether there was generally a different approach to liquor outlets compared to police stations, since the focus had traditionally been on police stations, often with dissatisfaction.

Ms Cassiem's first question was related to crime in schools. She requested statistics or data showing the number of murders, rapes or GBV incidents in schools from 2009 to 2024. She inquired if there were any programmes addressing these issues, particularly given that many students came from backgrounds with violence, including GBV. She asked how the Department handled these students in schools, and whether there were statistics available on this matter.

Her second question was about the crime statistics, and why the Department did not conduct its own research to obtain these statistics instead of waiting for the national Department to provide them. She asked if there were any plans for the Department to conduct its own research on crime statistics in the Western Cape.

Ms Van Minnen's first point, which was more of a comment, concerned the issue of vacancies within the Department. She expressed concern about how long these vacancies had existed, and suggested that the structure of the Department might need to be reviewed, as it seemed many key positions were vacant. She requested an update on when these positions might be filled with permanent appointments, noting that no offence was meant to those currently in acting roles.

Her second point was also more of a comment. She noted that the Department’s mandate appeared to be broad, involving evaluation, measurement, liaison and observation, which she compared to a watchdog that could bark but lacked teeth. She acknowledged that the issue of devolution was a significant concern and that a good working relationship had been established with the Provincial Commissioner of Police, General Patekile. However, she questioned what the Department could actually do to enforce necessary changes in policing in the Western Cape, especially when the problems might stem from the structure of SAPS, or decisions made by the national Minister. She emphasised the need for action beyond liaising, and wanted to know if the Department had any power to enforce changes, other than through another commission.

Mr Ngqentsu also addressed the issue of vacant positions, emphasising the need for a fully functional and staffed structure, as priorities were being worked on. He insisted that vacant positions should be filled as soon as possible. While acknowledging that raising the issue was important, he also stressed the need for providing advice and guidance on the matter. The filling of these vacant positions should reflect the demographics of the Western Cape, and he expressed dissatisfaction with the current lack of respect for demographics within the structure. While he was pleased with the gender representation, he suggested that an attempt must be made to balance the future makeup of the structure.

He commented that the mandates had been outlined well and could serve as an induction for understanding the issues that should be addressed in executing tasks and performing duties. He then raised a critical issue regarding complaints and the behaviour of law enforcement officers. He asked where such complaints from across municipalities were reported, as he had once been informed that they should be reported to the Ombudsman. He questioned the relationship between the Ombudsman and the IPID, and suggested that legislative changes might be needed. He specifically proposed that law enforcement officers should also report to IPID, rather than just to the Ombudsman. He recalled a past case involving both police and metro officers, which highlighted the complexities of the matter.

Department's response

Mr Arendse clarified that the Western Cape Liquor Authority fell under the purview of the Department, and could be summoned to the specific Committee. He pointed out that similar oversight responsibilities also fell under the Committee's remit, including those related to the liquor authority. He confirmed that oversight visits by inspectors to liquor outlets were part of the Committee's responsibilities, and he appreciated that there was a positive reaction to this aspect of their work.

He then addressed Ms Cassiem's request for statistics on crimes at schools, explaining that he would obtain the relevant data from the education department and forward it once available. He said he had a list of statistics to provide, but did not have the requested figures readily available. He assured Ms Cassiem that the Department would note her request and supply the specific statistics in due course.

He asked if Minister Marais would like to respond to the concerns raised regarding vacancies.

Minister Marais responded that she could address the vacancy related to the HOD position. She had had a discussion with the Director-General (DG) that morning, and the final round of interviews for the HOD position would take place on 26 August. If the panel found none of the candidates suitable for the role, they might consider headhunting. She expressed her desire to have the appointment made before the current acting HOD's term ended in October. If there were any delays, she would consider extending the acting HOD's term, but emphasised the importance of having the position filled promptly, as it was crucial for the Department. She added that she could not comment on the status of the other two vacancies at that time.

Mr Arendse addressed the two vacancies, noting that one was related to the Chief Director position. He said the position of Chief Director responsible for management support was currently vacant, and was not directly reporting to the acting Head of Department (HOD) due to an ongoing process within the province. This process, overseen by organisational design, was reviewing whether certain posts, including those in the departments of local government, economic development, and environmental fields, were justified at the chief director level, or if those directors should report directly to the Department.

He said the situation was unfortunate, particularly in the absence of Mr David Coetzee, Director of Security Risk Management, who was on sick leave until the end of September, but would return soon to resume duties. He emphasised the importance of filling the chief director vacancy and indicated that the Department was awaiting approval from the province to proceed with the recommendation.

Mr Arendse also clarified that while he was currently in a temporary position as HOD, he had no intention of applying for the permanent role. He stressed the need for someone who could effectively drive the Department’s processes and assured the Committee that, during his tenure, he would do his utmost to ensure the Department operated at a high level and delivered value to citizens.

Ms Cassiem reiterated her earlier question, stating that the issue of crime statistics had not been adequately addressed. She pointed out that the Department had not taken sufficient steps to obtain these statistics through oversight or by conducting their own research, and she sought clarity on plans to address this gap.

In response, Mr Arendse explained that the Department did, in fact, obtain statistics from the SAPS on a monthly basis to guide their actions. However, he acknowledged that the frequency of these updates from SAPS was insufficient. In the absence of timely data from SAPS, the Department relied on statistics from their forensic pathology services, which were updated weekly. For instance, he noted that in a recent week, 815 homicides had been reported.

Regarding the distinction between the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the Ombudsman, he clarified that IPID investigates complaints specifically against police officers, functioning as an internal disciplinary unit. The Ombudsman, on the other hand, deals with unresolved cases that do not fall under IPID’s purview. He also noted that IPID had jurisdiction over municipal law enforcement, which meant it could investigate issues related to these entities as well. Lastly, he acknowledged that if there was a need for legislative changes regarding these matters, this platform was indeed the right place to advocate for such reforms.

Concluding comments

The Chairperson said they would move on to the next item on the agenda, which involved possible oversight meetings with the Department. He expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as a "kick-off" session that had provided valuable insight into the priorities of the Members, the current state of the Department, and the challenges it faces. He noted that while there might be disagreements on certain issues, such as devolution, there was significant potential for collaboration. He emphasised the importance of working together to fulfil their respective roles, acknowledging the hard work ahead, especially considering the new challenges in policing and budget constraints.

He also referred to the need for better preparation and communication, stating that he would like to see reports and information submitted to the Committee by the Friday before each meeting. This would allow for thorough examination and ensure the Committee could effectively fulfil its constitutional mandate. He recognised that the beginning of the term might come with some uncertainties, but expressed confidence that they would improve their processes moving forward.

Mr Arendse expressed his gratitude to the Members, noting that while they had an oversight role, it was one that he and his team took very seriously. They also saw it as providing guidance, which was important because it helped to steer the organisation in the right direction. He assured the Members that they did not take the system lightly, and that they valued the decisions made during oversight. He acknowledged that questions were asked for a reason, with the shared goal of improving the safety of citizens. He thanked the Members for their questions and the way they had been posed, and also extended his thanks to the Minister for her presence throughout the session.

Proposal for oversight visits and collaborative approach to addressing crime

The Chairperson said the next item on the agenda was not intended to pressure anyone into immediately proposing a list of oversight visits. Instead, the purpose was to listen to reports and presentations, with the possibility of making suggestions. He encouraged each Member to come up with one to three possible oversight visits, and submit them by 12h00 on 20 August. These suggestions would then be discussed and compiled into a comprehensive oversight programme.

He emphasised the importance of considering the broader issues behind crime, acknowledging that it was not solely a policing matter but involved transversal issues such as education, social development and culture. He expressed comfort with the process, and highlighted the value of learning through differing perspectives.

Finally, he checked with Mr Matthews, the Procedural Officer, to ensure nothing was outstanding.

Mr Matthews said that in addition to oversight visits, Members should also consider any content matters that might require attention. He suggested exploring opportunities for site briefings or more content-based oversight visits. He mentioned the Committee's responsibility for short-listing board members, and noted that unexpected vacancies might arise, influencing the Committee's programme.

The Chairperson proposed that Members send a brief paragraph outlining the different types of oversight they were considering. He suggested categorising them into physical visits to sites and more content-focused oversight, including possible engagements with national ministries and other departments. He also encouraged informal interactions for further discussion.

The meeting was adjourned.