Cape Town residents have noted a significant increase in Metro Police patrols in recent months, as the City’s newly deployed Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers expanded their presence across more than 90 wards.

According to Safety and Security Mayco Member, JP Smith, the teams have made significant law-enforcement gains between September and November, arresting over 200 suspects for various crimes and confiscating more than 1,000 units of drugs.

Of the total arrests, 115 were linked specifically to drug-related offences, with officers seizing 1,070 units of illegal substances, including mandrax, dagga and tik.

Smith says the officers also intercepted the illegal sale of prescription medication such as Xanax and cough syrup.

The officers, together with police, Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums, reportedly further enabled the arrest of 94 additional suspects for crimes ranging from attempted murder and burglary to the possession of dangerous weapons.

Firearms and ammunition were also recovered in Atlantis, Philippi and Macassar.

Smith praised their integration into communities, including Uitsig, Plattekloof, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg and Mitchells Plain. He noted officers’ proactive work, such as profiling gang houses and assisting vulnerable residents.

“During a patrol in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, I was impressed to see the teams had profiled every gang house, reported these issues to the necessary enforcement unit and had even reached out to assist an elderly woman whose home was affected by a recent fire, allegedly caused by drug users,”

Traffic enforcement reportedly remains a key part of the officer’s mandate, with recent operations resulting in 31 arrests for driving under the influence.

Meanwhile, during a stop street operation in Dennemere, Smith says he was introduced to a 12-year-old boy who had been struck by a motorist who had failed to stop, which resulted in serious injuries.

“- His mother explained how he was flung in the air, suffered various injuries and had to undergo brain surgery. While many residents question this type of enforcement, the story of this little boy is a reminder of why we will continue to act against all traffic violations.”

Residents are urged to report safety concerns to the Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700, with the City set to launch an app soon to streamline emergency reporting.

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