LEAP officers will be redeployed to crime hotspots in the Province, for a trial period. A special focus of theirs will be the evolving organised crime and extortion syndicates plaguing communities.

LEAP officers to be redeployed

The redeployment was announced in a joint statement by the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety and the City of Cape Town.

LEAP

The LEAP officers will be redeployed to Delft, Khayelitsha, Phillipi East, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu.

Redeployment to focus on 6 precincts

The deployment strategy for these areas will be assessed and revised after 6 months. Residents in these communities can thus expect an influx of officers, over the trial period.

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According to a statement, murder statistics and operational imperatives will guide the deployment. The 12 quarterly crime stats releases will also determine the movements of these officials.

Deployment strategy to be revised after 6 months

MEC Anroux Marais says the changed strategy will deploy more LEAP officers to the worst crime-affected areas. This will have a maximum impact on crime.

At the same time, the Rapid Reaction Unit will ensure an immediate response to a flare-up in any other part of the City.

“The LEAP programme must always remain dynamic in adapting to the needs of the ever-changing war against crime,” Marais added.

Meanwhile, Cape Town Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says a targeted approach is required to combat a new wave of organised crime.

A targeted approach

Smith added that these crimes are perpetrated by groups that have become increasingly bold and ruthless in their tactics.

“The LEAP programme has had remarkable successes since its launch in 2019, with 595 unlicensed firearms removed from the streets of Cape Town and 34 079 arrests conducted,” Smith added.