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The DA condemns the mass shooting that occurred in Philippi East on Sunday night, which claimed the lives of three men aged between 28 and 39. This is a stark reminder of the unacceptable levels of violence that continue to plague our communities. Three victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while a fourth was wounded and rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

The Western Cape continues to endure violent crime that threatens the safety and well-being of its residents. The authorities must act now, with greater urgency and focus, to curb this violence and restore public confidence in our law enforcement agencies.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) must urgently respond with a robust and clear action plan to address the growing crisis. Our police stations are grossly undermanned and outgunned, placing both our brave officers and the residents of our province at significant risk.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety said: “The DA in the Western Cape is deeply concerned by the insufficient staffing and resourcing of our police stations, which ultimately hampers their ability to protect our citizens and uphold the law. The safety of the people of the Western Cape cannot continue to be compromised.

We will once again demand a clear, detailed action plan from SAPS to deal with violent crime in the Western Cape. This plan must outline how additional resources will be allocated to combat crime in our province, with clear timelines for implementation. Once the plan is received, I will invite SAPS to present it to the Standing Committee on Police Oversight and Community Safety so that it may be interrogated and scrutinized by the representatives of the people of the Western Cape. It is time for decisive action, and for SAPS to deliver the resources and strategies needed to bring an end to this reign of terror.”

Issued by Thomas Walters, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety