Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has lodged an intergovernmental dispute with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia over the City of Cape Town’s call for expanded powers for Metro Police officers to investigate certain crimes. The dispute was filed under the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act after years of engagements with successive Police Ministers.
Hill-Lewis said the City wants Metro Police to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in tackling gang, gun and drug related crimes. He argued that while Metro Police confiscate hundreds of illegal firearms each year, they are not legally allowed to investigate cases and prepare criminal dockets.
The City believes amendments to the SAPS Act would allow Metro Police to strengthen criminal investigations and help secure more convictions. Hill-Lewis said the City has trained officers and technology to support SAPS, stressing that the City wants to complement, not replace, the police service.
If mediation fails, the City intends approaching the courts to challenge Section 64E of the SAPS Act. Meanwhile, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said expanding Metro Police powers would improve crime fighting, adding that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police is expected to consider the SAPS Amendment Bill on 5 August.
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