Following a request for information after a briefing on gang violence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed that the correct number of known drug houses in the province amounts to 1 577 as at the end of June 2021. This figure was provided after the original number was incorrectly printed in the first document sent to the Standing Committee on Community Safety.
MPP Reagen Allen says: “I have asked SAPS for its definition of a ‘known drug house’ and how it goes about the closure thereof, specifically relating to support from reliable informants. The prevalence of drug houses in the province feeds organised crime, particularly in the form of gang violence.
In a separate status report of problematic rental stock, including drug houses, we note that the City of Cape Town has yielded some positive results in joint operations with SAPS and Law Enforcement Officers. These operations are carried out in hotspot areas in the Metro where it has recorded 329 tenants connected to drug houses.
Actions from the City vary from eviction orders to addressing anti-social behaviours through rehabilitation, for example. This level of coordination between SAPS and the City is welcome, and demonstrates our commitment to cooperative governance.
We must ensure that we remain one step ahead and root out every form of criminal activity in the province. Along with the perpetuation of organised crime through illegal trade of drugs and ammunition, drug houses further threaten lives and livelihoods. In this way, the vicious cycle of increased criminality stands to continue.”
Through our oversight measures, we will ensure that existing intervention are performed optimally in order to see a clear decrease in the problematic opportunities for criminal activity. Residents deserve to live in safe communities across the province.
