Western Cape pleads for stability in fight against crime as intelligence post sits vacant

Western Cape MEC for police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, has called on the national police leadership to urgently appoint a permanent crime intelligence unit head in the province.

The position of crime intelligence head in the Western Cape has been vacant since the dismissal of Major-General Mzwandile Tiyo for misconduct in January 2025.

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Marais made the call during a SAPS briefing on the province’s latest crime statistics.

The stats show gang violence remains deeply entrenched, particularly in vulnerable communities.

225 gang-related murders were recorded in the Western Cape between January and March this year.

Marais said the lack of intelligence-led policing has compromised SAPS’ work in the province.

“I’m once again appealing to the national leadership of the South African Police Service to urgently appoint a permanent crime intelligence head for the Western Cape. This is not optional; it is essential.”    

Marais maintains that the police’s ability to intercept and dismantle the gang network in the Cape hinges on a fully functional crime intelligence capability.