On Tuesday night, eleven people were killed in separate incidents across Cape Town. The violence unfolded hours after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia acknowledged that the state does not yet have a comprehensive plan to crush gangs. Meanwhile, families mourned and communities braced for further attacks as fear spread through several neighbourhoods linked to Cape Flats shootings.
Winde Pushes for Joint Action
Today, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde meets Cachalia to confront the surge. Importantly, the discussion centres on gaps in the anti-crime working agreement between SAPS, the province and the City. Moreover, Winde argues that all three spheres of government, together with civil society and business, must align technology, intelligence and joint operations so that residents see safer streets sooner rather than later.
‘No Adequate Plan’ to Defeat Gangs
Earlier this week, Cachalia engaged residents from hard-hit areas, including Mitchells Plain. However, he said police still lack an adequate plan to defeat gangs in the province and flagged poor implementation of existing commitments. Consequently, communities heard an admission of weaknesses at the very moment Cape Flats shootings rattled households, shops and taxi ranks.
Hotspots Visit Amid Pressure
In addition, Cachalia and senior police officials visited several crime hotspots. During these stops, residents demanded stronger, intelligence-led operations and faster results. Furthermore, people asked for visible patrols, focused firearms interdictions and quicker case turnarounds so suspects do not slip back into the same streets that gunmen terrorise.
What Must Change Now
Looking ahead, officials face rising anger over Cape Flats shootings and the wider gang crisis. To that end, Winde’s talks with Cachalia aim to align national, provincial and city efforts, plug operational gaps and set measurable targets. Crucially, clear deadlines, visible deployment and public reporting should close the space that allows gunmen to operate with impunity.
Ultimately, Cape Flats shootings demand coordinated, intelligence-driven policing backed by resources and community trust. Until concrete actions follow, residents will continue to measure promises against nightly gunfire, and they expect urgent, credible results.
