Between 5 – 11 December 2022, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers had various operations in the Manenberg and surrounding areas. This led to the arrest of 33suspects for a variety of crimes, while also confiscating 99 items.
The arrests include:
- 3 for the possession of illegal firearms
- 5 for the possession of dangerous weapons and
- 24 for the possession of drugs and
- 1 for the possession of illegal ammunition
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “These operations and successes by LEAP are quite significant, given the recent gang shootings in the area. These successes are being achieved due to the manner in which LEAP is working with various stakeholders. These include the South African Police Services (SAPS), other City Law Enforcement Agencies, neighbourhood watches and the Community Policing Forums (CPFs) – who are a critical part of our approach to fighting crime. I would like to thank these entities for their continued commitment to combat crime and gangsterism in the area.”
Minister Reagen Allen continued: “We cannot have our residents living in fear or being held hostage in their own communities. Gangs and their activities do not contribute to a safe and conducive environment, and from a Western Cape Government perspective, we will do everything in our power to continue combatting this illegal organised crime.”
LEAP also had further successes during the second half of November. Between 14 November 2022 and 4 December 2022, LEAP ensured that 545 persons could be arrested. During this period, various confiscations also occurred. Amongst others, these included 15 illegal firearms, 9 imitation firearms and 51 dangerous weapons. The arrests and confiscations occurred in various areas, such as Philippi, Nyanga, Samora Machel, Gugulethu, Manenberg, Bishop Lavis, Kraaifontein and Harare(Khayelitsha), where our LEAP officers have been deployed.
“I urge communities to work with and support all law enforcement agencies, including LEAP, other City of Cape Town law enforcement entities and SAPS. We have to work together if we are to be effective in our fight against crime,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.
