WINDE RESPONDS TO DISASTER CALLS

Crime prevention remain priority

- MURRAY SWART BRANDON NEL

WESTERN CAPE Premier Alan Winde says calls for a disaster declaration in response to escalating violent crime in the province are receiving urgent attention, but stressed that the authority to declare such a disaster lies with national government.

Winde made the remarks at a press conference held to provide an update on water security challenges and ongoing wildfire threats, where he was asked about mounting pressure to declare crime a disaster amid persistent gang violence and extortion-related killings.

He said crime prevention and law enforcement remain national competencies, meaning the province cannot act unilaterally. “Our legal team has given us all the opportunity and advice, but we can’t because it has to come from national,” Winde said.

The Premier confirmed he will engage acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa to raise the requests for a disaster declaration and discuss alternative approaches to managing high crime levels.