The DA and the Western Cape government have repeatedly called upon the ANC government for the reintroduction of the antigang units closed down by the then National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi. These calls have gone unheeded and due to this thousands of community members continue to live a life of fear.
The SAPS has introduced an antigang unit in the Free State, which recorded 6 168 drug-related crimes in 2012-13. In comparison, the Western Cape recorded a staggering 82 062 drug-related crimes - 13 times higher than that of the Free State. So, where are the Western Cape's antigang units?
Minister Mthethwa is putting ANC politics ahead of the safety of the people of the Western Cape, deliberately preventing the province from setting up crucial units so that the DA-run province suffers. Under a national DA government, we will ensure that specialised units are set up throughout the country to respond to crime trends in all areas - regardless of who governs. [Applause.]