Criminals will face the full force of the law – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stark warning that law enforcement agencies are determined to bring justice to those who terrorise communities and businesses.

The President spoke at the signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in Cape Town on Friday.

“Today, by signing this cooperation agreement, we are saying enough is enough. Enough is enough, Kwanele. Our mothers and daughters here in the Cape are fed up with not being able to walk around… without fear. We want these criminals caught and arrested. They must not be seen on the streets here.

“Parents, teachers and students… are also saying that they are tired of criminals causing chaos in schools and bringing weapons and drugs into classrooms. They are tired of their lives being wasted as young people because of… drugs. People also don’t want these things being sold to them anymore,” he said.

Referring to an incident in which four potential extortionists were killed in a shootout with police, the president said police were targeting those terrorizing the community.

“We are now waging war against those who are extorting money. We are waging war against the construction mafia. We are waging war against gangsters. We are now going to deal with you and ensure that you are brought to justice,” he claimed.

The president assured residents and businesses that the government has heard their cries for help and is working to tackle crime.

“The gangsters are tearing our communities apart and it is costing lives. Businesses are being forced to pay protection fees and are being besieged by criminals who are destroying their businesses. We are here to show you that we are aware of your concerns and that we are taking them seriously.

“The South African Police Service is at the forefront of the fight against crime. They are making progress in reclaiming our streets from criminals. Last year… we launched Operation Shanela, which brings together various law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with crime.

“Since March 2023, more than 800,000 suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, kidnapping, gender-based violence and a range of other criminal acts,” he said.

The President added that Operation Shanela is also “leaving its mark” in the Western Cape.

“We are tackling illegal firearms. During police operations in the Western Cape, over 3000 firearms were seized in a 12-month period. Special task teams are disrupting drug operations across the province.

“For example, in July, law enforcement officers intercepted cocaine with an estimated value of R252 million in Stilbaai and arrested a number of suspects,” he said.

Join hands

Regarding the anti-crime cooperation agreement itself, the President explained that it will pave the way for “sharing technology and resources, information and best practices to improve the state of public policing.”

“This agreement will sharpen our response to serious and violent crime. Sharing information about criminal activity and suspects will make this province safer. Sharing information about emerging crime trends will ensure we are one step ahead of criminals.

“Greater cooperation will make it easier to track down suspects and wanted persons who evade arrest and prosecution. By using each other’s expertise, we can do much more than if we were working alone,” he said.

The president called on residents not to leave it to the government alone, but to also work together with the police to tackle crime.

“We cannot win the war on crime without you. I want to call on each and every one of you to join with the national and provincial governments, the SAPS and the City of Cape Town to help us take back our communities from those who cause violence, discord and criminality.

“Let us continue to work together to create a Cape Town, a Western Cape and a South Africa where there is no place for criminals and crime,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za