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Police minister acknowledges failure to suppress gangs
South Africa's Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has publicly conceded that security forces lack the capacity to dismantle violent criminal syndicates, highlighting the severity of the nation's crime epidemic.
Gang violence fuels record homicide rates
Gang-related killings and armed robberies contribute significantly to South Africa's homicide rate, which ranks among the highest globally. Official statistics reveal that 63 people were murdered daily between April and September of last year.
Cachalia described the situation as increasingly complex, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces, where traditional policing methods have proven ineffective.
Minister warns of escalating crisis
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Cachalia stated, "I do not believe that we are currently in a position to defeat these gangs." His remarks followed a visit to Nelson Mandela Bay, a hotspot for gang activity in the Eastern Cape.
"We had a discussion about the problem of organised crime in the Eastern Cape, including extortion rackets, gang violence and related issues. I indicated that this is a grave problem throughout the country, that these cartels wield significant wealth and power, and that this is deeply concerning."
Firoz Cachalia, South African Police Minister
Anti-gang units fall short
Despite the establishment of a dedicated anti-gang unit in 2019, Cachalia admitted that criminal networks appear to be outpacing law enforcement efforts. He criticized the approach as reactive rather than strategic.
"Establishing gang units from time to time is an ad hoc response to a growing problem. I really don't think that we should be approaching this matter in a point-scoring way."
Recent bloodshed underscores urgency
Nelson Mandela Bay experienced a surge in killings last year, with 118 fatalities recorded between August and December, according to a local prevention group. Violence has persisted into 2026, with approximately 40 deaths reported in January alone.
Other regions have also witnessed mass casualties. In December, 11 people were killed in a shooting linked to illegal mining conflicts near Johannesburg. Earlier that month, another attack in Pretoria's Saulsville Hostel left 11 dead, including a three-year-old child. In May 2025, eight patrons were gunned down at a Durban tavern.
Firearms exacerbate violence
South Africa's gun ownership landscape is deeply polarized. While three million firearms are legally registered, an equal number of unlicensed weapons circulate illegally, according to the South African Gunowners' Association. The country's population stands at 63 million.
Government pledges stronger response
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to intensify law enforcement efforts, including increased police deployments, to combat gang violence. However, Cachalia's remarks suggest that current measures remain insufficient to address the crisis.
