JOHANNESBURG - The South African Police Service says critical shortages in personnel and operational tools, is hampering its ability to combat gang violence.
They were briefing the Portfolio Committee on Police, which is leading an inquiry into gang-related violent crime in Cape Town.
This inquiry comes amid deep concerns over the high, entrenched levels of gang violence, illegal firearms, and the infiltration of criminal gangs within the police service.
The inquiry is reviewing reports that numerous members of the Western Cape’s Specialised Anti-Gang Unit, are facing criminal charges or internal disciplinary processes.
Evidence is also being reviewed, regarding allegations that police units themselves have been infiltrated by criminal gangs.