Parliament, Wednesday, 27 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Police has today adopted its terms of reference for a parliamentary inquiry into gang-related violent crime in Cape Town. The National Assembly mandated the committee on 25 November 2025 to conduct the inquiry, in terms of Rule 227(1)(e) of the National Assembly Rules.
“This is a critical step towards commencing the work in earnest. We are confident that the terms of reference are broad yet focused and strike the necessary balance between establishing a comprehensive contextual foundation while zeroing in on precise and actionable outcomes,” said the committee Chairperson, Mr Ian Cameron.
The terms of reference divide the inquiry into several important thematic areas: crime dynamics and gang economies; crime intelligence and investigations; prosecution and criminal justice outcomes; intergovernmental coordination; policing capacity and operational response; social drivers and community impact; institutional corruption and criminal infiltration; state capacity, governance and accountability; and the legislative and policy framework.
The committee also emphasised the importance of assessing the use of specialised units and evaluating the effectiveness of SAPS Crime Intelligence in combating violent gang-related crime.
Public participation, a critical constitutional pillar of Parliament’s work, is strongly emphasised in the terms of reference. The committee has adopted a summit-style approach, incorporating stakeholder engagements and public hearings, including inputs from experts on gang-related violence as well as community-based structures.
In line with a previous committee resolution, the terms of reference also highlight the need for the committee to approach the National Assembly to amend the reporting deadline in order to effectively implement the mandate conferred upon it by the House.
Meanwhile, following a motion adopted by the National Assembly, the committee received a preliminary presentation on allegations against the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to the alleged neglect of policing duties amid escalating violent crime and murders in Mooiplaas Informal Settlement in Tshwane.
While the committee noted that a more comprehensive consideration of the matter will be undertaken during an oversight visit to the area, it raised serious concerns over allegations that SAPS officers attached to the Erasmia Police Station, who reportedly own rental properties, have neglected their official duties and allegedly used state resources to conduct private business activities.
The committee emphasised that merely requiring the officers to sign declaration forms is insufficient and that a full investigation into the allegations must be undertaken.
The committee further noted, with concern, the apparent breakdown of trust between SAPS and the community. It urged the police to intensify stakeholder relations initiatives aimed at rebuilding and maintaining public trust, which remains essential for effective policing and crime prevention.
Following the preliminary engagement, the committee committed to conducting an oversight visit to Mooiplaas to obtain first-hand accounts from residents regarding the effectiveness of policing interventions in the area. The dates of the visit will be communicated in due course.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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