Government has reiterated its declaration to strengthen the fight against crime adding that law enforcement operations will be intensified.
The warning was sent during a Community Outreach Imbizo and Pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) community activation, held on Tuesday at the Dulcie September Civic Hall in Athlone, Western Cape.
“We must be frank and honest with each other because these criminals are among us. Some of them stay in our houses. They are our children, uncles, fathers and, to some extent, our mothers.
“We know our problems and we know where drugs are being sold. As members of the community, you should be able to give us this information so that we can be able to do our work,” Police Deputy Minister, Dr Polly Boshielo, said.
The imbizo brought together officials from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, including the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development and the South African Police Service (SAPS), to engage residents on issues affecting their neighbourhoods.
Boshielo said government was “tired of talking” and was now moving decisively to action, stressing that the engagement must result in practical solutions.
She said the challenges facing the community were well known and included gangsterism, drug and substance abuse, illegal firearms, high murder and attempted murder rates, as well as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Boshielo said her department had received complaints about some members of the police service being involved in criminal activities, which was why Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola were present at the meeting.
“We cannot have people killed as if we are at war. We have an obligation to protect our children. Our children must be at school, have certificates and identity documents, and must be protected from these gangsters,” she said.
She warned that law enforcement operations would be intensified.
“As a community, you must draw the line - criminals on one side and those who fight criminals on the other side,” Boshielo said.
She also challenged law enforcement agencies to take action against all criminals, including those within the police and correctional services.
“We are drawing the line. Everyone who commits crime must face the consequences,” she said.
She also urged communities to inform law enforcement of those who selling drugs.
“Someone once said: ‘only the police don’t know’. We are tired of talking and not implementing what is in the law. Those who are running illegal taverns must be arrested,” she said.
“Let us work together, be united, and come up with solutions. It is time for action.”
No room for institutional complacency
Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews assured residents that the presence of senior officials was not merely symbolic, but intentional.
“It signals a shared commitment to move beyond diagnosis towards shaping practical, forward-looking solutions that will deliver safer communities,” Andrews said.
He said the meeting must mark a decisive shift from “business as usual” to action that produces measurable change.
“The scale and severity of the safety challenges we face leaves us with no luxury of time and no room for institutional complacency. Fighting crime is not the responsibility of one sphere of government alone,” he said.
Andrews added that meaningful reform of the criminal justice system requires collective ownership, coordinated action, and the courage to make necessary changes to restore safety and public confidence.
“Our attendance today reflects the seriousness with which we approach the work of the cluster. Safety is not the responsibility of one department, but an integrated system working with a shared purpose,” the Deputy Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
