Parliament's Inquiry into Gang-related Violence

Gang-related violence and organised criminal activity remain serious problems in many South African communities, particularly affecting areas where gangsterism has taken deep root over many years. Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police — the parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing the South African Police Service and related law enforcement matters — has recognised that this issue requires dedicated, focused attention beyond the normal parliamentary schedule. As a result, the Committee has launched a formal Parliamentary Inquiry into Gang-related Violence, which is a structured process through which Parliament investigates a specific problem in depth, gathers evidence, and then makes findings and recommendations to improve the situation. This Summit on 19 August 2026 is a key part of that inquiry process.

This inquiry and Summit are relevant to a very wide range of South Africans. Community members living in areas affected by gang violence — particularly in places like the Western Cape where gangsterism is widespread — are directly invited to share their lived experiences. Families who have lost loved ones, witnessed violence, or been forced to live under the control of gangs are especially encouraged to participate.

Children and young people are highlighted as a vulnerable group, since gangsterism often targets youth for recruitment and puts them at serious risk. Women and other vulnerable members of society are also specifically mentioned as groups whose experiences the Committee wants to hear about.

Schools and businesses operating in gang-affected areas are affected, as gang violence disrupts education and economic activity. Healthcare services are also touched, as they bear the burden of treating victims of gang violence.

Police, crime intelligence units, prosecutors, and the broader criminal justice system are also part of the picture, since the inquiry looks at how well these institutions are responding — including challenges like corruption within law enforcement. Civil society organisations, community safety groups, and NGOs working on violence prevention are also relevant participants, as are members of the media, who are welcome to attend the public proceedings.

The Portfolio Committee on Police is hosting a Parliamentary Gang-related Violence Summit on 19 August 2026, from 09:30 to 17:00, at the Parliamentary Precinct in Cape Town. This Summit forms part of a broader formal parliamentary inquiry into gang-related violence and is designed to give affected people and communities a direct platform to engage with Parliament.

The Committee is inviting contributions on a wide range of issues: the root causes and drivers of gang violence and organised crime; the impact of gang violence on communities, families, schools, businesses, healthcare services, and social cohesion; problems within policing, corruption, crime intelligence, investigations, and prosecutions; community safety initiatives and partnerships between communities and the State; the specific impact of gangsterism on children, young people, women, and other vulnerable groups; and what legislative, policy, or operational reforms might be needed to strengthen crime prevention and the State's response.

Participation is open and flexible. People who want to attend can simply arrive at the Parliamentary Precinct and register on the day — you do not need to register in advance or submit anything in writing beforehand to be allowed in. However, those who wish to can submit written information or submissions in advance by emailing Ms B Mbengo at gangviolenceinquiry@parliament.gov.za by no later than 19 August 2026. Enquiries can also be directed to Ms B Mbengo on 083 709 8489.

The proceedings will be open to the public and media, subject to the venue's capacity and standard parliamentary rules. Everything said and submitted — both oral contributions at the Summit and written submissions — may be recorded and used by the Committee for its official inquiry, reporting, and recommendations.

Gang violence destroys lives, tears apart communities, and makes it impossible for many South Africans to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods or send their children to school without fear. For years, affected communities have often felt unheard by government and Parliament. This Summit is a rare and direct opportunity for ordinary people — not just experts or politicians — to speak to Parliament face-to-face and put their experiences and ideas on the official record.

Because this is a formal parliamentary inquiry, what people say and submit is not just noted and forgotten. The Committee is required to use these contributions to compile findings and make recommendations, which can influence real changes in law, policy, policing strategies, and government programmes. In other words, showing up or sending in a written submission could genuinely shape how South Africa responds to gang violence going forward.

The fact that no prior registration or written submission is required to attend lowers the barrier significantly — anyone who wants to speak or listen can simply come to Parliament on the day. This is particularly important for community members who may not have resources or legal knowledge but have powerful first-hand experience to share. The deadline for written submissions is 19 August 2026, which is also the day of the Summit itself.