Western Cape has over 1 500 drug houses; 835 of these are in the metro

The Western Cape’s Police Ombudsman, Oswald Reddy, has launched an investigation into police inefficiencies, relating to drug houses in the province.

This follows after the DA’s Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Safety in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Reagan Allen, requested the Ombudsman for the matter to be probed.

By the end of June 2021, it was confirmed by SAPS that there were 1 577 drug houses operating in the Western Cape, with 53% of them being situated in the Metro.

‘’The prevalence of illicit drug trade in the province, and the rest of South Africa, further threatens the cohesion of communities – particularly those facing many socio-economic difficulties,’’ said Allen.

‘’The DA in the Western Cape welcomes this investigation and we trust that it will uncover the reasons as to why SAPS is unable to prevent these illicit activities from destroying our communities,’’ added Allen.

The DA’s Community Safety spokesperson, says he will be requesting regular reports on the progress made by the Ombudsman.

‘’This is why the Ombudsman’s investigation will be based on determining the reasons for the police not being able to address the manufacturing and supply of illegal substances, in addition to the use, possession and dealing thereof; and terminate the operation of these premises.’’

“Our Constitution places an obligation on the South African Police Service to protect and secure residents by preventing, combatting and investigating criminal activities. In the Western Cape, thanks to the Police Needs and Priorities reports, we know that the perpetual mismanagement and under-resourcing of provincial SAPS makes it extremely difficult for this mandate to be achieved,’’ added Allen.

Allen called on persons to make submissions to further help the investigation

‘’The success of this investigation will contribute immensely to our crimefighting efforts in order to keep residents safe. We support the Ombudsman’s request and call on any persons or organisations to make submissions that will further aid the investigation.”

Submissions can be sent via email to ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za before 20 May 2022.

 

PICTURED - WCPP: Reagan Allen, 

DA’s WC Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Safety

Done By: Mitchum George