Premier Winde and SAPS officially launch “Lawyers in Police Stations Project” to improve efficiency of Criminal Justice System
Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, today officially launched the “Lawyers in Police Stations Project”, a partnership with the SA Police Service and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC).
“This initiative recognises a fundamental reality: effective policing begins at police-station level. Far too many police stations across the Western Cape and the country are facing serious resourcing constraints which often impact service delivery. While we continue to call for more equitable resources for law enforcement in the Western Cape to bolster our fight against crime, we have also sought out other innovative solutions and partnerships aimed at improving various aspects of policing,” explained Premier Winde.
He added, “We must do everything we can to help the SAPS and the criminal justice system.”
Major General, Michael Jojo, who represented the Western Cape SAPS Commissioner, stated, “This initiative is a fruitful engagement to assist police and benefit the community.”
The “Lawyers in Police Stations Project” offers:
- Legal mentorship and training for SAPS members.
- Guidance on statements.
- Legal advice and community support.
The project was piloted at Grassy Park SAPS in March 2025, following the identification of the precinct as an area carrying a high burden of serious and organised crime.
Following an independent evaluation, which showed the programme had resulted in improved investigative processes, it has now been expanded to the Mitchells Plain Precinct. Plans are in progress for further expansions in the Western Cape, including the Stellenbosch Policing Precinct (Stellenbosch Central, Kayamandi and Cloetesville) as well as other national locations.
The project involves placing a lawyer at the police station on a full-time basis for three years, providing ongoing mentoring and capacity-building support to station personnel.
The overall objective is not to take over or interfere in police functions, but to strengthen the technical capacity and skills of station personnel and improve the quality of policing.
MEC Marais said, “The aim of placing trained legal professionals in community service stations is not only to improve the quality of case dockets presented to court but also to strengthen the trust relationship between the police and the community which is too often strained by frustrations related to unsuccessful prosecutions.”
The Premier continued, “While law enforcement agencies must work hard to prevent crime and increase arrests, this must be followed by successful prosecutions. Through this project we are tangibly offering assistance to officers to build up watertight cases.”
Executive Director at GI-TOC, Mark Shaw, added, "The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime has supported more than 300 projects worldwide, including in communities severely affected by organized crime and violence. Our experience shows that resilience depends on strengthening the rule of law, effective local policing and trust between communities and the police. Working with SAPS and provincial partners, this initiative aims to strengthen all three by improving service delivery and access to legal expertise. One lawyer cannot solve these challenges alone, but Mitchells Plain is an important opportunity to test and refine a practical model that, if successful, can grow and be replicated elsewhere. Working with SAPS and provincial partners, this initiative is an important opportunity to strengthen policing and service delivery, while testing and refining a practical model that can grow over time.”
The project is focused on strengthening the technical capacity and skills of police officers. By improving the quality of police statements and strengthening evidence management, the project has contributed to improved prosecution outcomes. Ultimately, these interventions help build safer environments for local communities and businesses.
“Expanding the ‘Lawyers in Police Stations’ initiative to Mitchells Plain is a crucial step for our community. Technical flaws in statement-taking dismantle case dockets before they even reach a courtroom, robbing victims of justice and shattering public trust. Having legal mentors working side-by-side with our local officers gives them the real-world guidance needed to build watertight cases. Stronger dockets lead to successful prosecutions—and that is how we restore real safety and accountability for our residents and local businesses, said Abie Isaacs, Chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum.
The Western Cape Government, SAPS and GI-TOC believe that investing in the capacity of police stations is an investment in safer communities, more effective policing and a criminal justice system that is better equipped to deliver justice for victims of violent and organised crime.
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw - Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Mobile number: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
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