Gang Related
Three years after a damning court ruling, Premier Alan Winde has finally published the long‑awaited report by the Western Cape Police Ombudsman on alleged gangs’ infiltration of South African Police Service senior ranks in the province, signalling a step toward transparency amidst mounting pressure.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has published a redacted version of the long‑delayed report by the Western Cape Police Ombudsman investigating alleged gang infiltration within the South African Police Service. The report, commissioned after a 2022 court ruling, found that gangs may have gained influence at senior levels, raising serious concerns about integrity and oversight.
Winde had initially withheld the report, citing risks to officers’ safety and ongoing criminal investigations. Public pressure and demands from civil society organisations eventually led to its release, offering the first detailed account of the alleged breaches in police management.
The ombudsman’s report, completed in November 2022, recommended against invoking a commission of inquiry, noting that ongoing investigations by the SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate could address the allegations without compromising evidence or witness safety. Winde also noted that actions against the current provincial police commissioner were deemed unnecessary, as most allegations related to a predecessor’s tenure and the current leadership was cooperating fully.
The release comes amid ongoing concern over gang‑related violence in the Western Cape, where communities have long struggled with murder, intimidation, and organised crime. Analysts say the report underscores the fragility of trust between citizens and law enforcement when criminal influence is suspected at senior levels.
