Western Cape strengthens SAPS with re-enlistment of detectives
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais with police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile with the re-enlisted detectives.
Image: supplied
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais welcomed the re-enlistment of 62 experienced detectives into the SAPS.
Premier Winde called this boost to investigative capacity "long overdue," emphasising that it must lead to successful prosecutions, particularly against organised crime and gangsterism. He urged the Minister of Police and national SAPS to provide necessary resources and to urgently expand the local government's investigative powers.
Winde added that the expertise and institutional knowledge these seasoned detectives bring will enhance the ability of the police to build watertight cases that stand up in court.
“Successful prosecutions remain one of the most powerful deterrents to crime. When offenders are arrested, thoroughly investigated, and ultimately convicted, it sends a clear message to those contemplating criminal activity: crime will not go unpunished,” he detailed. “If you choose lawlessness, we will find you and you will face the consequences of your actions."
The Premier cited that securing convictions is also essential to restoring and strengthening trust between communities and the police.
“Residents must have confidence that when crimes are reported, they are properly investigated and that justice will follow. A capable and effective detective service is central to achieving this goal,” he said.
Marais said the decision would support the police and its operations: “As a department, we are actively exploring ways to support SAPS in ensuring that our detectives have the necessary tools, resources, and operational support to effectively do their work."
The call to re-enlist detectives comes in the wake of DA Spokesperson for Police Oversight and Community Safety's Benedicta Van Minnen, raising concerns that detectives handled case loads over 100.