More law enforcement officers deployed in Cape Flats hotspot areas

The City of Cape Town says it has increased law enforcement officers in areas where there is an increase in gang violence.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

According to the city, there is an increase in gang violence in Manenberg, Lotus River, Ottery, Hanover Park, and Lavender Hill.

The city says it is working with the police to investigate and disrupt gang activities.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says more police resources are needed in the affected areas.

‘’In Ottery now, members supporting SAPS arrested a suspect with Mandrax and 168 rounds of ammunition. Members then came under attack from the surrounding community and needed to discharge several shotgun rubber rounds, in order to get the suspect out and themselves to safety. In Lavender hill now, members had to call for assistance after being fired upon. With a wave of backup arriving, the dedicated Shotspotter officers were able to withdraw to safety.’’

‘’Our eye in the sky is also up, but battling between the different areas. Shooters are blending with groups, then making quick hits, before dispersing again with the crowds as enforcement arrives. Teams are working hard and will continue the fight on the firing line,’’ added Smith

Meanwhile, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) and Metro Police officials confiscated 15 illegal firearms, 139 rounds of ammunition, 9 imitation firearms, and 1 zip gun for the month of June 2024.

Smith says along with additional boots on the ground, the City has also deployed drone teams and the ISR to assist with stabilising affected communities.

‘’The City’s joint reaction teams, consisting of Traffic, Law Enforcement, and Metro Police officers, have also been responding to increased shootings in the four ShotSpotter areas, with an increase of 116 shooting incidents compared to May. This increase again highlights the illegal firearm epidemic that South Africa is facing,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

The MMC called on SAPS to urgently increase policing resources ‘’in the Metro to international standards, increase investigative resources, and construct a dedicated destruction facility within the Province to allow for tighter control measures and proper oversight to ensure firearms are destroyed and do not end up on the streets.’’

‘’It has been a great concern when, in the past, LEAP and Metro Police officers confiscated illegal weapons on the streets, only to find the firearm was previously registered as handed in to SAPS,’’ said Smith.

The public are encouraged to report suspicious activities anonymously. A reward of up to R20,000 will be paid for any tip-off that leads to an arrest.

 

Done By: Mitchum George