Rupert Blames DA for Surge in Western Cape Gang Violence, Appeals to Trump for Assistance

Rupert Blames DA for Surge in Western Cape Gang Violence, Appeals to Trump for Assistance

Cape Town – In a fiery and unexpected political intervention, South African billionaire Johann Rupert has laid blame squarely at the feet of the Democratic Alliance (DA) for the Western Cape’s worsening gang violence crisis, going as far as calling on former U.S. President Donald Trump for help.

Speaking candidly about the situation engulfing communities in Cape Town and surrounding areas, Rupert expressed dismay at the growing lawlessness, accusing the DA which governs the Western Cape of failing to keep residents safe and prioritizing image over impact.

“This is no longer just a provincial issue it’s a humanitarian crisis,” Rupert reportedly said in private circles, now echoed widely on social media. “If the DA has solutions, where are they? People are dying daily.”

A Province Under Siege

The Western Cape has long battled the scourge of gang-related violence, but 2024 and 2025 have seen a marked spike in deadly shootings, extortion, and drug wars particularly in gang-riddled areas like Manenberg, Bonteheuwel, and Hanover Park.

In the last quarter of 2024 alone, over 90% of all gang-related murders in South Africa were recorded in this province. Despite efforts from local law enforcement, residents report a growing sense of fear and abandonment.

DA’s Policing Shortfalls Under Fire

Rupert’s remarks echo growing public frustration with what many view as DA’s policing shortfalls in the province. Critics argue that while the DA touts programs like the LEAP (Law Enforcement Advancement Plan), these interventions have not translated into real safety for communities on the ground.

“They tell us about how many officers they've hired and how many guns they’ve confiscated, but the violence hasn’t stopped,” said one community leader from Nyanga. “Our children are still caught in crossfire.”

Analysts say the DA’s approach has too often leaned on PR-driven policing without tackling the root causes of gang violence including unemployment, housing instability, and disempowerment in historically marginalized communities.

Rupert, who has largely stayed out of direct party political clashes in the past, seems to believe that the situation has spiraled so far out of control that it warrants international attention even if that means seeking help from controversial global figures like Donald Trump.

Trump: An Unlikely Ally?

Rupert’s appeal to Trump has been widely debated. Some see it as an act of desperation; others view it as a calculated provocation, aiming to highlight the Western Cape's descent into a near-failed state. Trump, known for his “law and order” rhetoric and border policies during his presidency, has yet to respond.

Critics of Rupert have questioned the wisdom of turning to Trump, but supporters argue that South Africa’s crime situation especially in the Cape demands bold, unconventional solutions, even if symbolic.

“If asking Trump for help is what it takes to wake up the DA and national government, then so be it,” a political commentator noted. “We’re at a breaking point.”

DA Pushes Back

In response to the growing criticism, the DA has defended its record, pointing to systemic issues within the national South African Police Service (SAPS) and a lack of provincial policing autonomy as the real culprits.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde recently stated, “We are doing more with less. The SAPS has failed to allocate sufficient resources to our province the DA is plugging holes the ANC government left behind.”

But to residents living in fear, these political arguments offer little comfort.

A Country Watching

Rupert’s comments, regardless of their controversy, have reignited national debate over safety, accountability, and the effectiveness of DA governance in the Western Cape.

As political parties gear up for the next election cycle, the gang crisis is set to be a major talking point. Whether Rupert’s dramatic call to Trump leads to change or further polarization remains to be seen but what’s certain is that the people of the Western Cape are running out of time and patience.