South Africa's Police Struggle to Combat Gang Violence, Minister Admits

Sat Jan 24 2026 02:01:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

South Africa's Police Minister has expressed concerns about the escalating gang violence in the country, stating that current law enforcement strategies are insufficient to combat the deadly crimes proliferating in various regions.

In a recent statement, South Africa's Police Minister Firoz Cachalia acknowledged the ineffectiveness of current policing efforts against rampant gang violence. With homicide rates soaring, particularly related to gang activities, the minister emphasized the complexity of the issue, urging the need for innovative strategies and increased resources to address organized crime effectively.

South Africa's Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has stated that the security forces are not yet able to defeat deadly criminal gangs, highlighting the severity of the nation's ongoing crime crisis.

Gang violence, alongside robberies, accounts for many murders in South Africa, a country noted for having one of the highest homicide rates globally.

Cachalia noted that the complexity of gang operations, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces, has necessitated new approaches beyond traditional policing methods.

I do not believe that we are currently in a position to defeat these gangs, the minister remarked during a recent interaction with journalists.

South Africa, known as the continent's most industrialized nation, has faced entrenched organized crime for decades. Although many citizens possess licensed firearms for personal protection, the presence of illegal weapons remains a significant challenge.

Police statistics reveal that as many as 63 individuals are killed daily, a stark reflection of the violent reality faced by many citizens.

Minister Cachalia's comments follow a visit to Nelson Mandela Bay, an area plagued with gang violence, where he expressed grave concern about the capabilities and resources available to combat these powerful criminal entities.

Despite the establishment of an anti-gang unit in 2019, the minister conceded that gangsters appear to be gaining the upper hand in this ongoing struggle.

Further alarming reports include a surge of killings in total, particularly last year, with 118 homicides reported in a short time span in the Eastern Cape.

In the context of escalating violence and rising gang influence, President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised to strengthen law enforcement efforts and increase police presence to combat the ongoing threat posed by organized crime.