Media Statement

Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to host GBVF Community Outreach Imbizo in Athlone

09 February 2026

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, will on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, host a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Community Outreach Imbizo and Pre-State of the Nation Address (Pre-SONA) community activation in Athlone, Western Cape.

The Ministers will be supported by Deputy Ministers Andries Nel of Justice and Constitutional Development and Polly Boshielo of Police, alongside other Ministers within the JCPS Cluster and Members of the Western Cape Provincial Government.

The engagement forms part of the JCPS Cluster’s implementation of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), which government has established to provide a coordinated and integrated approach to preventing crime and violence in South Africa.

The Western Cape continues to experience serious crime challenges, with recent crime statistics reflecting increases in violent crime, including murder, particularly gang-related incidents, gender-based violence, and property-related crimes.

These trends are largely driven by entrenched gang activity, the proliferation of illegal firearms, substance abuse, and persistent socio-economic challenges.

Crime hotspots in the province include Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Bishop Lavis, Emfuleni, and Delft.

Underlying social conditions such as high unemployment, low household incomes, and poor living conditions continue to exacerbate crime and vulnerability, particularly among women and the youth.

Criminal networks, including drug peddlers and gang leaders, exploit these conditions to recruit young people into criminal activities.

Of increasing concern is the targeting of public officials and law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties. In September, a shooting incident outside the Athlone Magistrates’ Court underscored the seriousness of this threat.

It is against this background that the JCPS Cluster, accompanied by the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), will lead a crime prevention and awareness community engagement in Athlone.

The Pre-SONA community activation aims to intensify government efforts to address crime, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence and femicide in affected communities.
As part of the programme, the Ministers will undertake oversight visits and inspections at the local police station, the Athlone Magistrates’ Court, and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Abused Women and Children.

The delegation will also engage directly with community members, local businesses, youth formations, faith-based organisations, and community-based organisations to strengthen partnerships with government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and violence.

EVENT DETAILS

PART 1: EXHIBITION AND IMBIZO/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Imbizo
Time : 10h00 – 13h30
Venue : Dulcie September Civic Hall

PART 2: OVERSIGHT VISITS TO PUBLIC SERVICE POINTS
Oversight visit to Athlone Police Station and Victim Friendly Centre
Time : 14h30 – 15h30

Visit to Athlone Magistrate court
Time : 15h30 – 16h00

Visit to a Thuthuzela Care Centre
Time : 16h30 – 17h00

Media enquiries: William Baloyi on 083 390 7147 or Mava Scott on 083 391 2947 or Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA