The presence of US Marines training Cape Town Metro Police cadets has raised concerns over the authorisation and legal basis of the training, with the national Ministry of Police stating it was not aware of the drills. The training, which took place in Muizenberg over the weekend, was described by the City of Cape Town as an informal fitness exercise. However, the GOOD Party’s Jonathan Cupido said the training raises serious legal, governance, and accountability concerns.
According to Cupido, municipal policing in South Africa is not a free-for-all, and the Constitution is clear that municipal police services must operate within a national legislative framework. The South African Police Service Act makes it clear that the National Commissioner determines the standards and training applicable to municipal police.
Training Arrangements
Cupido questioned the City’s authority to improvise training arrangements outside of the national framework. He also raised concerns over references by the City to broader cooperation, saying it raises red flags. The City must explain under what legal authority US Marines were involved, whether the arrangement was authorised or approved, and whether it extended beyond physical training.
Costs and Agreements
Cupido also questioned what agreement governs the cooperation and what costs were incurred. If the City believes this was appropriate, then it should have no problem placing the full legal basis, approvals, and agreements on record. The City of Cape Town said the session was an informal fitness exercise, with Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith stating that the engagement between the City’s Public Safety Training College and Marines based at the US Consulate in Cape Town was a fitness exercise.
Smith said the City has, in recent years, placed a stronger emphasis on physical fitness within its enforcement services. Fitness is a culture we have introduced within our directorate and strongly endorse amongst our members. The City regularly engages with international partners to improve its capabilities, including learning from cities and governments across the world.
- Concerns over authorisation and legal basis of training
- City of Cape Town describes training as informal fitness exercise
- GOOD Party raises serious legal, governance, and accountability concerns
