Civil society coalition Cape Crime Crisis Coalition (C4) has renewed its call for a Provincial State of Disaster to be declared over Cape Flats gang violence. The group argues the response to violent crime should match the urgency often shown during natural disasters.

C4 says the ongoing violence is not a short spike but a sustained crisis with serious human impact. It argues that the Disaster Management Act describes a disaster as an event that causes death, injury or social disruption that goes beyond a community’s ability to cope and that gang violence meets that threshold.

Why C4 Says the Threshold is Being Met

C4 points to the death toll as a major driver behind the renewed call. It said that in October 2025, “approximately 400 people were murdered in the Western Cape” and added that many of the victims were from impoverished Cape Flats communities.

The coalition also lists the wider knock-on effects of repeated shootings. It says gunfire has forced school shutdowns, pushed businesses into closing after extortion and added pressure to healthcare services. It claims some areas have become no-go zones for ordinary residents trying to live, work and travel safely.

C4 says a Provincial State of Disaster would activate the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and allow a more coordinated multi-agency response across health, social development, education and law enforcement.

Premier’s Office Stresses National Policing Powers

The office of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde acknowledged the calls but stressed that policing is mainly a national competency. Winde also indicated the provincial government planned to raise requests linked to crime interventions, including disaster declarations and military interventions, in engagements with national authorities.

While maintaining that crime-fighting powers sit primarily with national government, the Premier’s office said Winde would engage directly with law enforcement leadership and visit priority police stations next week with Provincial Commissioner Patekile.

C4 says it is still seeking direct engagement with the Premier on the disaster call. The coalition argues that engagement with national authorities does not remove provincial powers under the Disaster Management Act and wants urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.