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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has applauded a speedy intervention by a multidisciplinary team, comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, intelligence operatives, the Special Task Force and a private security company, which thwarted a possible cash-in-transit robbery in Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape.

“The operation is testament to the importance of intelligence-led policing and highlights the importance of interventions aimed at preventing crime from happening. Also, the centrality of collaboration between various units with the SAPS and the private security industry in turning the tide against crime was highlighted,” Mr Cameron said.

The Chairperson, who was in the area to engage with various community leaders on policing issues, was alerted to the incident and visited the scene.

The incident highlights the worrying prevalence of illegal firearms used for nefarious activities in South Africa. “It is concerning that the police confiscated high-calibre firearms, including seven AK47 rifles, two R5 rifles, one R4 rifle, and one Dashprod rifle. The availability of these illegal firearms is a matter of concern and the lack of effective efforts to rid our society of them will undermine crime fighting efforts,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The Chairperson also emphasised the point that any criminals who attack the SAPS are directly attacking the state. In addition, the police are protected by section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act to use proportional force in self-defence.

Mr Cameron also highlighted that the small wins by police, following a similar incident in Macleantown in the Eastern Cape last week, are essential in building momentum towards eliminating the scourge of cash-in-transit heists in South Africa.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron