A leaked intelligence report on the recent Nyanga shooting highlights the need to not only bolster our crime intelligence services – but to also urgently localise policing for more effective resourcing and coordination.
While the South African Police Services (SAPS) was reportedly tipped off days in advance of the shooting, they were outgunned and under-resourced on the scene. This resulted in chaos, as commuters went about their daily business, including matriculants travelling to collect their matric results; a day meant to be filled with joy was plagued by violence.
Had police resources been more localised, this would have allowed for better coordination with the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Services. The City is committed to making a success of the Cooperation Agreement signed between it, the Western Cape Government and the Executive in supporting SAPS in the fight against crime. While important information is shared, SAPS faces significant pressure in facing general and organised crime, especially within the crime intelligence and investigations.
The “one-size-fits-all” approach to policing is not working, and law enforcement activities must be made responsive to the needs of the localities they serve. Whether it be crime intelligence, detective services, or boots on the ground, capable local and provincial governments must be given a chance to police their own backyards.
We will continue to lose our fight against crime, so long as criminals out-resource policing services. We must be innovative and reform our policing to match the challenges our country faces. Before more die, are injured and traumatised, SAPS Management can do more to support officers on the ground and communities.