Government moves to expand National Anti-Gang Strategy across the country

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says government’s revised National Anti-Gang Violence Strategy will be rolled out in Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, following a recent surge in violent attacks.

Cachalia, accompanied by his deputy, Polly Boshielo, and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, visited the gang-riddled communities of Westbury and Reiger Park on Monday.

Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced the rollout of the strategy, which aims to dismantle gang-related criminal networks through intelligence gathering, proactive policing and community engagement.

Cachalia says gang violence has intensified in parts of Gauteng and emphasised the urgent need to rebuild trust between communities and the police.

“Of course, where there are high levels of violence and you are dealing with organised crime, people are reluctant to come forward. They are not prepared to testify in court, which makes it difficult to achieve convictions, but we have to fight this battle.”

The minister also raised concern over the recruitment of children as young as 13 years old who are being recruited into gangs and introduced to crime.

“They are supposed to be in school, looking forward to a bright future, but unfortunately, these communities are in a position where they feel marginalised. They feel that their issues around poverty and lack of opportunity are not being properly addressed,” Cachalia added.

Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, were shot dead, and five others were injured in Westbury after gunmen ambushed them in what is believed to be a gang-related shooting.

In Reiger Park, six people were killed in a drive-by shooting last week.

#sapsGP The Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and his entourage are in Reigerpark this afternoon for another stakeholder engagement to address the crime climate of Reigerpark and the concerns that community of Reigerpark are facing.

Stakeholders present include MMC for… https://t.co/CewJkjL7Pq pic.twitter.com/Ey1rwFWhRZ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 10, 2025