Professor Firoz Cachalia Rules Out SANDF Deployment in Western Cape To Deal With Gang Violence
- Professor Firoz Cachalia is visiting the Western Cape in response to rising gang violence in the province
- The Acting Minister of Police weighed in on whether the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) needs to be deployed
- Professor Cachalia visited the province on the same day that news broke of the murder of three men in Mitchell's Plain
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE - Professor Firoz Cachalia doesn’t believe the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) needs to be brought in to deal with the rising gang violence in the Western Cape just yet.
The Acting Minister of Police is currently conducting a visit to the province in the wake of escalating violence. Fatal shootings are reported daily in the Western Cape, with many of them linked to tensions between rival gangs.
What did Professor Cachalia say about the SANDF?
During an interview with media houses on 8 September 2025, Professor Cachalia touched on whether the army needed to be brought in to deal with the gang violence.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
The Acting Minister noted that if the gangs didn’t stop, the government would continue in its efforts to strengthen the police to restore stability in the communities. He was then asked if that meant calling in the army.
“I’ve discussed this matter with a lot of experts, and all of them say that’s not a good idea.
“So, for the time being, let me say that’s not an option,” he stated.
Acting Minister wants police to redouble efforts
While explaining what his visit entailed on the first day, Professor Cachalia also called on the police to do more in the fight against the rise in crime.
“My message to the police is that they’ve got to redouble their efforts to deal with what is evolving crime patterns.”
He added that this wasn’t old school gang violence, but more organised crime, and so the State needed to use all its resources to confront the problem.
Three killed in Mitchell’s Plain shooting
Professor Cachalia’s visit took place on the same day that Mitchell’s Plain police were investigating the murder of three men.
The men, aged 21, 22 and 36, were shot dead before midnight on Sunday, 7 September 2025. Two were declared dead at the scene, while the third passed away at a nearby medical facility.
The men were reportedly returning from a concert, and while the motive for the murder is not yet known, the matter is still under investigation.
Other shootings in Mitchell's Plain
Briefly News reported that there have been several shootings in Mitchell's Plain in 2025.
In June 2025, an e-hailing driver and two passengers were brutally murdered in a shooting in the area.
The following month, two people were killed and one person was injured in another shooting in Mitchell’s Plain.
On 25 August 2025, one man was shot dead outside the Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court and Police Station.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
