MP Liezl van der Merwe has called for urgent action to protect tourists and locals from criminal syndicates targeting motorists near Cape Town International Airport.
In a parliamentary question and answer session Van der Merwe asked why there was no visible policing in the area, particularly at traffic lights and intersections where criminals allegedly prey on drivers for their cellphones.
With regard to the safety of tourists, what are the reasons there is no visible policing in and around Cape Town International Airport where criminal syndicates target locals and tourists for their cellphones at traffic lights and intersections while sitting in their vehicles? she asked.
Responding to the question, the police minister said the the border policing team has a clear constitutional and legislative mandate to prevent, combat and investigate crime within the airport precinct. This includes routine crime prevention, proactive patrols and reactive policing under a five-pillar joint security concept with district support to tackle surrounding criminal activity.
Most reported incidents occur outside the airports jurisdiction, he said.