Cape Town has significantly bolstered its safety and security presence for the festive season, with more than 200 newly trained cadets deployed to some of the city’s busiest and most high-risk areas.
On Thursday, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, joined cadets from the Safety and Security Directorate’s Project 300 learnership programme, who have been deployed to Table Mountain, the Cape Town CBD, Bo-Kaap and key beaches for the peak holiday period.
The cadets have completed their municipal peace officer training, equipping them with powers related to traffic control, by-law enforcement and crime prevention. Their deployment is aimed at increasing visible policing, deterring crime and improving safety for both residents and visitors during one of the city’s busiest times of the year.
ALSO READ: Helicopter Patrols Boost Safety at Table Mountain National Park for Festive Season
Project 300 builds on the momentum of the City’s Project 1000 initiative, which saw close to 900 new Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers join the Safety and Security directorate.
“2025 has been an exceptional year in terms of growth. Not since LEAP have we seen this level of investment in our staffing complement,” said Smith.
“Along with the Neighbourhood Safety Officers, Law Enforcement’s bolstered escort unit and additional N2 resources, we have also been able to promote many long-serving and deserving Metro Police members.”
Smith said the festive deployment would not only boost visibility but also provide valuable on-the-ground experience for the cadets.
“Apart from increasing visible policing this festive season, the cadets will also gain valuable experience walking the beat. These initiatives are only possible because of our incredible Metro Police College,” he said.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of persistent petty crime in the Cape Town Central Police precinct, including pickpocketing, car break-ins and robberies. Although the latest crime statistics are considered outdated, the City states that such crimes continue to pose a significant risk to tourism and the local economy.
“These attacks have severe consequences for the tourism industry that fuels our local economy, and the additional boots on the ground have already been welcomed by external partners within the CBD.”
He stressed the economic importance of safeguarding major attractions.
“Table Mountain and our amazing beaches generate billions in economic stimulus and create crucial employment for thousands of our residents. We must safeguard these assets to ensure our city remains an attractive destination for visitors, both locally and internationally.”
Smith added that Cape Town’s global profile means even isolated incidents can have far-reaching consequences.
“We are acutely aware that Cape Town is under the microscope at all times, and that any incident can attract national and even international media coverage. Too many people rely on this sector to feed and clothe their families.”
However, the City emphasised that its festive safety plan is not only tourism-focused.
Enforcement services will continue daily patrols in gang-affected communities, including Kleinvlei, Grassy Park, Steenberg, Elsies River, Delft, Nyanga, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
Nearly 700 Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers will also remain active in their respective wards throughout the festive season, alongside continued operations by the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers.
The City says the combined deployments are aimed at ensuring a safer festive season for all Capetonians, while protecting key economic and social hubs across the metro.
