SECRETARIAT OF POLICE1 Gangsterism on the Cape Flats 21 August 2012 CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Police

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE2 Presentation Outline Introduction Understanding the gang culture Dealing with gangsterism on the Cape Flats Recommendations for addressing gangsterism Conclusion

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE3 Introduction Gangsterism has a specific history and pathology in the Western Cape Depressed social, economic and environmental conditions have contributed to the flourishing of gangsterism Gangsterism has evolved, becoming more organised, sophisticated and violent Primary drivers of gang conflict have been to gain control of turf and increase ‘market share’ This has led to protracted periods of violent conflict with devastating impacts on communities

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE4 Understanding The Gang Culture Gangsterism dates back to the 1800s with its origins in the number gangs The growth in gangsterism has resulted in the formation of street gangs and organised gangs Prison gangs (number gangs) have increasingly become associated with street gangs who function as their foot soldiers Distinct differences in organisation and structure between South African gangs and those in the United States Presence of hierarchical structures and strict measures of enforcement and regulation emphasises the ordered nature of operation

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE5 Dealing with Gangsterism on the Cape Flats Gangsterism has largely become entrenched on the Cape Flats and more recently has spread to communities such as Nyanga and Khayelitsha Various strategies and initiatives have been implemented by SAPS and other role-players in an attempt to eradicate the problem A measure of success has been achieved over the years evident in lulls in violent outbursts The high number (70,588) of drug-related crimes recorded by SAPS in the Western Cape during 2010/2011 highlights the extent of the drug problem

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE6 Dealing with Gangsterism on the Cape Flats Recent escalations in violent gang-related crime has been partly driven by competition relating to methamphetamine (tik) Gang-related shootings and killings since 2011 has prompted strong responses from a range of role-players and stakeholders to deal with the scourge SAPS has adopted a more focused stance on addressing the many interrelated factors that contribute to the flourishing of gangsterism such as: o Tracking down the source(s) of illegal firearms and illicit drugs o Confiscating illegal firearms and arresting suspects in connection with these incidents o Apprehending suspects linked to gang-related activity

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE7 Recommendations for addressing gangsterism Challenge remains to find lasting solutions to the plethora of issues confronting communities of the Western Cape, such as addressing the social, economic & environmental conditions The complex and organised nature of gangsterism will require the problem be addressed through a range of initiatives involving various role-players and stakeholders A coherent criminal justice response is needed so that acts of violence are systematically reduced and sustained The inextricable links of gangsterism to activities such as illegal firearms, illicit drugs, abalone and prostitution reinforces the need for a coordinated criminal justice response response

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE8 A credible policing approach by the SAPS provides the starting point for a clear, long-term response Effort must be directed towards destabilising criminal networks and enterprises Intelligence gathering for better decision making must be improved The presence of early warning systems coupled with effective data analysis Recommendations for addressing gangsterism

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE Enhancing criminal investigations will have the following benefits: o Linkage analysis will be strengthened increasing the likelihood of connecting perpetrators to multiple incidents o The ability to apprehend suspects tied to gang-related activity will be improved o The chance of securing convictions with stronger cases being presented at court will be improved Effective crime scene management will enhance the overall investigative process Continuous training for detectives relating to the investigation of complex organised crime must be strengthened 9 Recommendations for addressing gangsterism

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE10 Conclusion Dealing with gangsterism requires a long-term investment focusing on strategies that will deal with social, economic and environmental factors Requires a deeper understanding of the root causes and social contradictions of the gang problem The SAPS must work in a coordinated and integrated manner with a wide range of actors including other government departments, NGOs and communities Securing the buy-in from communities will generate the critical mass needed to begin to change mindsets towards gangsterism

SECRETARIAT OF POLICE CLOSURE Thank you 11