Zibi submitted formal questions to the Minister, focusing on the AGU’s funding, personnel structure, strategic approach, and support mechanisms.

Rising Budget, Unclear Results

According to the Police Ministry’s response, the AGU has received additional funding through SAPS provincial offices over the past five financial years:

• 2019/20: R12 million

• 2020/21: R22 million

• 2021/22: R24 million

• 2022/23: R28 million

• 2023/24: R34 million

Despite the steady increases, the impact on gang-related crime remains difficult to assess.

Personnel Numbers Withheld for ‘Security Reasons’

SAPS declined to provide the total number of officers in the AGU, arguing that doing so would risk operational security. However, the Ministry did share annual percentage increases in personnel:

• 2021/22: 48.4%

• 2022/23: 13.5%

• 2023/24: 10.2%

• 2024/25: 11.9%

Staffing remains provisional, with many officers placed in the AGU through service arrangements pending permanent posts being created on the PERSAL system.

The current rank composition stands at 91.3% non-commissioned officers and 8.7% commissioned officers, all operating at provincial level. Turnover rates over the last five years have ranged from 1.8% to 6.3% annually.

Western Cape Strategy: Five Pillars, Ongoing Violence

In response to Zibi’s concerns about the Western Cape, SAPS outlined a five-pillar strategy aimed at tackling gang violence:

1. Intelligence-led operations

2. Visible policing and prevention

3. Targeted enforcement in collaboration with local and national stakeholders

4. Case-by-case investigations

5. Community engagement and awareness

Despite these pillars, the province continues to struggle with high levels of gang-related crime, raising concerns about the strategy’s real-world effectiveness.

National Expansion and Training Plans

SAPS has committed to supporting the AGU through:

• Continued recruitment of new constables

• Internal promotions and annual post advertising

• Expansion of AGU presence across all nine provinces

• Reinforcement of investigation units tackling murder, robbery, taxi violence, and forensics

A dedicated Anti-Gang Learning Programme has also been introduced, and training interventions are underway. The Organised Crime Division has been tasked with coordinating gang-related investigations, supported by Operational Command Centres at district, provincial, and national levels.

The SAPS maintains that these measures aim to boost capacity and effectiveness, but the lack of hard data and continued gang violence raise questions about whether the AGU is delivering on its core mandate.

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Among these arrests, 13 suspects were apprehended for murder and 12 for attempted murder. A further 80 individuals were arrested for drug possession, while eight were caught in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Nine were detained for the unlawful possession of ammunition, and two for the illegal possession of firearms. These arrests demonstrate a clear resolve by the police to clamp down on criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

During the same period, AGU detectives have initiated 11 new cases, taking 17 accused to court. The charges they face range from murder and attempted murder to illegal possession of firearms and drugs. Four of these cases have already been finalised, resulting in a combined sentence of 40 years handed down to four individuals.

Dalyn Davis received a 20-year prison sentence for murder and attempted murder, in a case originating in Sophiatown. Chadwin Louw was convicted on three counts of attempted murder and sentenced to three years for each count, with the sentence wholly suspended for three years. Keenen Michaels was sentenced to six years of direct imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm, while Keyaan Billet received a 10-year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. All four cases stemmed from AGU investigations in the Sophiatown area.

In terms of proactive policing, the AGU has also achieved significant success in removing illegal items from circulation. Over the five-month period, officers seized 14 firearms and 161 rounds of ammunition. In addition, they recovered two stolen vehicles, 702 grams of dagga, 389 grams of methcathinone (commonly known as CAT), and 1,659 mandrax tablets. Other confiscated items include mobile phones, 153 grams of medicinal substances, knives, a bulletproof vest, a toy firearm, and substantial sums of cash—each seizure weakening the infrastructure of organised criminal operations.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, reiterated the province’s commitment to supporting precincts affected by gang violence, as well as the AGU itself, through sustained resource allocation and operational backing. He emphasised the SAPS’s unwavering determination to deliver justice and improve community safety. “We will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime and bring justice to victims, while actively engaging and working with the community to build a safer environment,” he stated.

Lt Gen Mthombeni also issued a firm warning to gang members, highlighting the recent conviction of 20-year-old Dylan Davis, who was sentenced to 20 years for murder and attempted murder. “This conviction should serve as a clear deterrent to any young person involved in gang violence and criminal activities. You are not untouchable. However long it takes, we will find you, and you will face the full might of the law.”

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On 15 April 2025, a joint law enforcement operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) resulted in the safe rescue of a 45-year-old American citizen, reportedly working in the area as a pastor, who was kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha.

Acting on verified intelligence, a co-ordinated team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, and others, moved swiftly to raid the premises. The suspects, upon noticing the officers approaching the house, attempted to flee and opened fire on the officers, triggering a high-intensity shootout. Three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded during the subsequent exchange.

The kidnapped victim was found inside a vehicle on the premises and, despite the shootout, was unharmed; reportedly in good health after an assessment by medical personnel at the scene.

Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, praised the courage, precision, and professionalism of the operational team, as well as the support shown by senior government officials. “This operation sends a strong message to those who threaten the safety and sovereignty of our nation,” he said.

In a separate incident in Gauteng, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team successfully rescued two businessmen just hours after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Midrand. The victims were abducted by a group of criminals driving a silver Hyundai i10 at a car rental business. They were taken to a remote area along the R21, where they were forced to hand over their bank cards and PINs, which allowed the kidnappers to withdraw large sums from their accounts.

Alerted to the crime, a multi-disciplinary task team was swiftly mobilised. The victims were located in dense bush and rescued, and their hijacked SUV was later recovered in Tembisa. The SAPS praised the co-ordinated efforts of multiple units including the National Crime Intelligence Counter and Security Team, Police Emergency Services, the SAPS Flying Squad, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and Vision Tactical Security.

A manhunt is currently underway for the suspects who evaded arrest. Authorities believe they are continuing to operate using the same Hyundai i10.

SAPS sought to reassure the public, and stated both operations underscore their message,  that South Africa possesses the expertise and resources to respond effectively to the rising threat of kidnappings.

Authorities further urged citizens to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity without delay.

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During the first incident, SAPS officers attached to the Breederiver K9 unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU, Provincial Traffic and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs arrested a 39-year-old male for possession of abalone without permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

The officers followed up on intelligence received of a truck transporting abalone from Cape Town on the N1 national road. A Vehicle Check Point (VCP) was setup on the N1 Road near Meirings Park, Worcester. The identified truck was spotted and pulled over by Traffic Police, and a search of the truck revealed the illicit cargo.

Abalone was discovered inside the cabin by K9 Layla, a protected species detection dog. Further searches were conducted by Layla, resulting in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck.

On the same day, information was received of a second truck, allegedly also transporting abalone from Cape Town. Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and pulled over the truck on the N-1. Officers conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone, with an estimated value of R468 105,00 inside the cabin of the truck. They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ court on 12 September 2024 on the mentioned charges.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members involved for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone

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