More than 1 200 suspects arrested by LEAP, in November

The Western Cape’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers arrested more than 1 200 suspects for various crimes in November. This is seventy-nine more arrests made than October.

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 (Site B policing precinct), Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Philippi East, and Samora Machel. Other high crime areas in which they are deployed are Atlantis, Bishop Lavis and Hanover Park, along with Lavender Hill, Steenberg and Grassy Park.

Of the 1 253 suspects arrested, 840 were for the possession of drugs, 74 for the possession of dangerous weapons, 24 for dealing in drugs, 22 for the possession of illegal firearms, and 12 suspects were apprehended for the possession of imitation firearms.

PHOTO: WCGov.

Between 30 October and 3 December 2023, officers also confiscated 27 firearms

The 27 firearms confiscated were:

·        x4 Pistols and x1 revolver in Bishop Lavis;

·        x1 Firearm and x1 zip gun in Delft;

·         x1 Firearm and x2 pistols in Harare;

·        x1 Revolver and x1 firearms in Manenberg;

·        x1 Pistol in Mitchells Plain;

·        x1 Pistol and x1 zip gun in Mfuleni;

·        x2 Revolvers in Philippi;

·        x3 Pistols in Philippi East;

·        x5 Zip guns and x1 revolver in Samora Machel and

·        x1 Pistol in Steenberg.

PHOTO: WCGov

 

According to the Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, LEAP’s efforts are continuing to bear fruit.

‘’The continued confiscations and arrests are helping to ensure that perpetrators are placed behind bars and unable to torment our communities. Despite working under immense strain, it is commendable that our LEAP officers work tirelessly to make our communities safer.’’

“As we celebrate the festive season, I urge all our safety stakeholders, residents and businesses to not let their guard down and continue working with our LEAP officers. During this time of the year, we see an increase in criminal activities and through greater collaboration, we can work together to fight back, to create safer communities,” added Reagen Allen, Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC.

 

Done By: Bush Radio News reporter