In response to a recent surge in violent crime and the publics outcry, the City of Cape Town has deployed specialised SAPS and Law Enforcement Advancement Plan LEAP officers to gang and extortion hotspots across the Cape Flats, including Mitchells Plain, Manenberg, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park and Gugulethu.
According to Smile 90.4FM reports , the deployment follows a series of high-profile incidents: seven men were gunned down and one ambushed in a kitchen in Gugulethu two men were killed in Nyanga three people lost their lives during a hijacking near Shepherd's Field and a triple murder was reported in Samora Machel. These attacks have intensified fears within local communities and prompted urgent police action.
Mayoral Safety and Security Committee member JP Smith said, The levels of firepower we're seeing on our streets are alarming. Officers recently recovered a loaded assault rifle with a full magazine.
Last week, LEAP teams made over 200 arrests and issued more than 18 600 traffic and by-law notices.
Crime analyst Guy Lamb, commenting on SABC News Radio , added that gang and extortion-related crimes continue to be a challenge on the Cape Flats.