Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has ruled out expanding metro police powers to include crime investigations, saying he has been advised that such a move would not align with the Constitution.
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The decision follows pressure from the DA-led Western Cape government, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis pushing for the creation of a metro detective branch to help tackle rising crime.
DA MP Lisa Schickerling questioned why metro police could perform public order policing duties but not investigate crimes, arguing that trained officers could help ease pressure on SAPS.
Cachalia said the issue remained open for discussion but would require political consensus. He warned that metro police capacity differs across the country and that any changes must consider national policing standards.
The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with the ANC and GOOD Party accusing the DA of using the dispute for political purposes.
The debate over the future role of metro police in crime fighting is expected to continue.
Done By Liema Nyengule
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