Community Safety hosts Policing Needs and Priorities engagement: Cape Metro East

On 26 January 2023 the Western Cape Department of Community Safety hosted its Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP)engagement in the City of Cape Town for the SAPS Metro East sub-district.

The safety and security of all communities in the province is a priority of the Western Cape Government (WCG). To build on this strategic goal, the Department of Community Safety is, together with local safety stakeholders, working towards improving the wellness and safety of communities in district and local municipalities. 

The PNP Safety Summit addressed: 

• Policing and Law Enforcement; 

• Social Cohesion/Violence Prevention; 

• Safe Spaces/urban Design.

Some of the key outcomes in terms of safety in the Cape Metro East include to:

• Identify safety challenges and improve policing and law enforcement effectiveness and coordination;

• Prioritise and strengthen social protective factors against violence;

• Review current interventions and improve safety infrastructure in public space.

Mr Jason Hamilton, Assistant Chief for the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality presented an overview of the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) Deployment Strategy, Volunteer Programme and Operational Approach which include:

• Confiscation of Unlicensed Firearms and Ammunition;

• Confiscation of illicit dependence producing substances (Drugs);

• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.

Brigadier Jones and on behalf of General Beaton (SAPS City of Cape Town District Commissioner) presented the 5-year crime overview and identified the priority crimes in East Sub-District which include:

• Murder

• Attempted murder

• Robbery aggravated – including trio crimes

• Extortion

• Gender based violence

SAPS also presented its action steps to address crime in the sub district which included amongst others:

• High density operations, roadblocks and vehicle control points;

• Drug operations and searches at premises related to illicit drugs;

• Executing of search warrants, stop and search operations and tracing of wanted persons, etc.

Various stakeholders formed part of the Cape Metro East PNP engagement. All spheres of government were represented. State entities present including the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Social Development, the Western Cape Police Ombudsman, the City of Cape Town, LEAP and various role-players from the Cape Metro East District, Private Security; Community Police Forums (CPFs) in the district; and neighbourhood watch structures. The SAPS, being the key partner, was well represented. 

Minister Reagen Allen said, ‘We engaged stakeholders of the City of Cape Town, SAPS Metro East sub-district, as it pertains to the Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP). 

The PNP engagement is critical to determine the Metro East area’s policing needs and priorities. This will culminate in a report that will be submitted to the National Minister of Police to take into account when resource allocation is done for the province as well as inform SAPS’s strategic and operational plans for the metro. It will also identify safety initiatives to be implemented by the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town'.

These engagements are intended to contribute significantly to the prevention and reduction of violent crime and murders, and greater safety and cohesion in the metro. The aim is to build relationships and create sustainable, focused, and integrated operations between SAPS and all safety role players, communities in the metro, technological advanced assistance in policing and build capacity in reservist policing. 

'Thank you to all stakeholders, our sister departments, the Community Police Forums (CPFs), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Neighbourhood Watches (NHWs), the City of Cape Town, LEAP and the Western Cape Police Ombudsman for the robust engagement.

‘The manner in which the engagements occurred are encouraging. This is an important process as we have to ensure that together we not only identify the needs that may exist, but also propose ways as to how these needs can be addressed. I’m pleased to note that all stakeholders share the sentiment of how vital it is to cooperate and collaborate with one another. There is clear appreciation that it is only by working together that we will be able to overcome crime. Ultimately, everything we do must lead to safer communities, so that our residents are able to live without fear and in dignity,’ said Minister Reagen Allen.

The Department will continue to render its services and impact lives to the best of its ability and is committed to creating a Safer Province FOR YOU.

Media Enquiries:  Ishaam Davids Deputy Director: Communications Head of Communications Directorate: Strategic Services and Communication Department of Community Safety Western Cape Government Office: + 27 (0)21 483 6689 Mobile: + (0) 82 941 9434 E-mail: Ishaam.Davids@westerncape.gov.za