DA hiding behind 'rhetoric' over policing failures

OPPOSITION parties in the Western Cape have accused the DA of continuing to shift blame for its failure to tackle crime to the national government, saying demanding more policing powers will not lead to reduction of violent crimes.

- THEOLIN TEMBO [e-mail]

Speaking during a podcast, Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson, Ian Cameron, and Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith, reflected on their party's call for devolution of policing powers.

"The ANC single-handedly destroyed the South African Police Service. We should say it unapologetically," said Cameron. "We've come to a point now, where, if we use the Hawks, for example, they are running at 47% capacity at the moment."

Cameron said legislation already allowed for the devolution of powers to enable the provincial government to play more of a role.

He accused the ANC of abusing the lack of clarity regarding where the police's responsibilities lie.