Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has committed to establishing a Metro Police Detective Branch in Delft if re-elected in November 2026, reigniting debate over municipal policing powers as the City threatens legal action against the national government for refusing to authorise investigative authority for local police, according to official statements and reports published on 15 and 16 July 2026.

Jurisdictional Dispute Over Investigative Powers

The proposed detective branch would recruit, train, and deploy Metro Police investigators focused on gang violence, firearms, and drug-related crime. Mayor Hill-Lewis stated, “We will recruit, train and deploy dedicated Metro Police investigators to work on gang violence, firearms and drug-related cases.” The City of Cape Town confirmed it is prepared to pursue legal action in response to the national government’s refusal to grant such authority, as confirmed by official City communications.

Currently, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995 restricts municipal police services to by-law enforcement, traffic policing, and general crime prevention, explicitly excluding criminal investigations. This legal limitation remains central to the dispute, despite local government efforts to expand roles and invest R39.7 billion in safety and infrastructure since March 2025, a move the Mayor described as an attempt to shift Cape Town’s crime statistics “the right way” during a previous media engagement.

Community Responses And Political Implications

Community activists and local crime organisations have questioned the efficiency of a new detective unit, highlighting ongoing issues with resource deployment. Hanif Loonat, a well-known crime activist, argued that “crime does not recognise political boundaries, and effective policing depends on cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations between all spheres of government.” The effectiveness of expanding Metro Police responsibilities remains hotly contested.

National government representatives have yet to issue a new statement but previously held discussions with Mayor Hill-Lewis regarding possible extensions of policing powers at a meeting on 11 September 2025. The introduction of a municipal investigative unit would require amendments to national legislation or a formal agreement with SAPS.

The City’s readiness to pursue legal channels marks an escalation in local–national disputes over the policing mandate. Further developments will depend on court outcomes and legislative negotiations expected over the next year.