LEAP officers arrests more than 550 suspects in September

Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers arrested more than 550 suspects, in September, for various crimes.

LEAP officers work alongside other law enforcement agencies, such as City of Cape Town, Metro police and SAPS. Officers are deployed in crime hotspot areas in the metro, including, Delft, Gugulethu, Harare, Khayelitsha, amongst others.

Of the 553 suspects arrested, 335 were for the possession of drugs, 62 for the possession of dangerous weapons, 18 for the possession of illegal ammunition, 15 for the possession of an imitation firearm, and 11 were for the possession of an illegal firearm.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, dedicated these arrests, confiscations and successes to the memory of 23-year-old LEAP officer Alessandro Heynes who succumbed to gunshot wounds in hospital 2 weeks ago. Heynes was off-duty at the time and in the process of transporting someone home after a friend’s matric ball.

‘’It is with his memory in mind that I commend our LEAP officers for their continued bravery and commitment to ridding our communities of these criminal elements. Every day, LEAP officers risk their lives to ensure that crime in general is reduced. These officers are visible, impactful and by removing these illegal elements off our streets, they help create safer communities. It is important now that these arrests translate into convictions, as particularly gang related convictions are still very low.”

Allen has once again called on national government for the devolution of police in the province.

‘’Many communities are requesting that LEAP should also be deployed in their areas. These requests clearly shows that LEAP’s deployment model is something that should be adopted by the SAPS hierarchy, to also ensure they too become as effective. Regrettably, the National Government will not consider this, as it plays into their hands to have our communities living in constant fear. This is part of the reason why we continue to call for the devolution of SAPS. We will ensure that SAPS is effectively deployed, data-driven, well-resourced, visible and professional service that has the community’s safety at heart.”

The MEC further pleaded with residents not to attack officers when executing their duties and arresting suspects. In the latest incident, Bishop Lavis SAPS were thwarted in Bonteheuwel when they arrested a suspect wanted for a murder case

“These actions which rear its ugly head from time-to-time is counterproductive and only emboldens the criminals. With all sectors of society working as one against crime, we will be able to achieve greater success,” said the Western Cape’s Police Oversight & community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

 

PICTURE - Marcellino Martin: Bush Radio's Mitchum George with MEC Allen.

Done By: Mitchum George