Alan Winde, WC Premier releases long awaited report on Poolice gang-infiltration in WC. Photo by: People's Assembly
(The Post News) – The Western Cape Police Ombudsman’s report, focusing on gang-infiltration within the WC Police Force must be used as reference for the reference Commission. This is per accordance to the Provincial Legislature.
Alan Winde, WC Premier released a long-anticipated report on the 13th November 2025, after public pressure and 3 years of preservation.
Winde initiated investigations following WC High Court Judge, Daniel Thulare made a detrimental ruling in 2022.
Thulare said” Evidence suggests that the senior management of the SAPS in the WC province is implicated in gang-linkage. 28 gangs have access to the table where the Provincial SAPS Commissioner and his management sit to hold their meetings. Leading them into the study of criminal activities.”
The Ombudsman determined that the allegation of unacceptable behavior by the provincial commissioner and senior management was “supported by evidence”.
The Ombudsman emphasized that the entire criminal system is now placed in a compromised position.
What Was Found in The Report?
The report stated the following, noninclusive of identification:
“The safety of the investigative team, witnesses, Prosecutor, Magistrate, Judge and officials affiliated with the 28 Mobster case are at risk.”
The decision to investigate the case was taken in October 31st, 2022 during a meeting.
During the investigation, the Ombudsman consulted a wide range of law-enforcement and oversight bodies.
They include the SAPS, WC Anti-gang Unit (current investigator) and the previous investigative officers of the case.
Additional consultations include the SAPS National Head of Anti-corruption Investigation Unit, executive director of IPID, Head of Hawks, acting SAPS National Commissioner and National Parliamentary Portfolio Community Policing Forum Board.
SAPS is reported to have not been compliant and did not deny, admit, or commentate in investigative assistance. In exception of indicating that the matter has been taken over by the State Attorney for advice on Judgment.
Ombudsman Recommendations
The Ombudsman gave three options as recommendations. Firstly, SAPS Commissioner must account before the cabinet and ascertain his future following a hearing.
Secondly, if it happens that the Commissioner acts in resistance, the Premier can write to the Minister of Police. The Premier must suggest to have the Commissioner transferred out of WC with immediate effect and placed on compulsory leave.
A full criminal and disciplinary investigation concerning all allegations remain pending
Thirdly, it is to wait for the results of other investigations by IPID and internal disciplinary proceedings.
Premier felt it would have been inappropriate to bring Patekile to a hearing. Reason being, allegations emerged under his predecessor and Patekile has been working diligently alongside Provincial Government.
John Michels, MPL of National Coloured Congress called for urgent action on the Cape Flats violence and corruption. Michels explains that relying solely on IPID and the Ombudsman will not be enough.
He urged engagement with the President and the Madlanga Comission to broaden up investigative pathways to include the WC.
Brett Herron, MPL of the GOOD PARTY made a highlight of the alleged police-criminal collusion in the WC. Referring back to Judge Thulare’s remarks made in 2022.
Herron stated that the Commission had a broad mandate. He also argued that the Commission should investigate why Judge Thulare believed gangs had infiltrated the WC and this has not been acted on by authorities.
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