CAPE TOWN - Government says it has allocated R1-billion from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) to assist police in fighting organised crime.
This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi on Tuesday, during the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Outreach Imbizo and Pre-State of the Nation Address community activation in Athlone, Western Cape.
Kubayi said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster has put together a crime-fighting strategy which was presented at Cabinet’s Lekgotla earlier this year for approval.
“We are going to be monitoring that for implementation. We give them money from the CARA fund for them to be able to fight crime,” she said.
“Police are looking at buying more helicopters, Nyalas and utilising technology to be able to fight crime and we’ll monitor that monthly.”
The Western Cape continues to experience serious crime challenges, with recent crime statistics reflecting increases in violent crime, including murder, particularly gang-related incidents, gender-based violence, and property-related crimes.
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These trends are largely driven by entrenched gang activity, the proliferation of illegal firearms, substance abuse, and persistent socio-economic challenges.
Crime hotspots in the province include Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Bishop Lavis, Emfuleni, and Delft.
Kubayi said crime-fighting efforts will be prioritised for the province.
“We have requested a review of cases in the Western Cape, especially for repeat offenders who keep receiving bail. Through the NPA, we’ve requested a review to look at whether this has been deliberate.”