New Western Cape police commissioner pledges to tackle gangs, gun violence, and extortion as SAPS initiates 'reset'

Newly appointed Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele William Dyantyi addresses the media after his appointment was announced at the SAPS Provincial Headquarters in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Newly appointed Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele William Dyantyi on Wednesday vowed to intensify the fight against gang violence, illegal firearms, and extortion.

This is as he takes charge of one of South Africa's most challenging policing environments following a spate of deadly shootings and amid a national drive to restore public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Dyantyi was officially unveiled during a media briefing at the SAPS Provincial Headquarters in Cape Town on Wednesday, where Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said the appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter for policing in the province and formed part of SAPS' national Reset Agenda aimed at strengthening leadership and rebuilding public trust.

The announcement comes less than a month after former provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile retired on June 30, with Janji set to officially assume office on August 1.