The Metro Police Department of Cape Town has reported a remarkable 70% surge in arrests over the past year, reflecting a commitment to combat crime amid escalating challenges, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This increase aligns with notable enhancements across all key enforcement categories and is attributed to recent substantial resource investments, primarily from the Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSO) initiative and the formation of a specialised anti-hijacking unit.
In 2025, the Metro Police Department, now in its 25th year of operations since the first intake of recruits commenced in December 2001, experienced a notable boost with the addition of 700 recruits.
These officers have been strategically deployed across 99 municipal wards, acting as Neighbourhood Safety Officers, enhancing visibility and response capabilities across the city.
The statistics tell a compelling story: narcotics seizures have nearly doubled, and there has been a significant increase in the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles. Specifically, drug-related seizures went from 22,751.5 units in 2024/25 to 43 403.5 units in 2025/26 – a staggering 90.7% increase.
Firearm recoveries rose by 133.8%, moving from 957 to an impressive total of 2,226. Furthermore, the total number of vehicle recoveries has skyrocketed by 79.1%, reflecting proactive measures taken against criminal activity.
Mayco for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, articulated the importance of these achievements while acknowledging the ongoing challenges:
‘The fruits of these additional investments in our resources are evident in our annual statistics. I am pleased to note the increases in key categories, which are indicative of consistent efforts to drive down crime rates and hold those responsible to account, within our limited scope,’ said Smith.
He emphasised a pressing need for improved conviction rates, indicating the city’s readiness to assist with enhanced powers if granted by the national government.
However, not all news is positive. A troubling trend of attacks on Metro Police staff is alarming. The number of reported attacks has nearly doubled from 64 incidents in the 2022/23 financial year to 116 in the current year, revealing a disturbing reality for officers who risk their lives daily to ensure community safety.
‘Every three days, a Metro Police officer is targeted. This violence cannot be condoned; it risks the very fabric of our communities,’ Smith remarked, condemning the actions of a few individuals who choose to support criminal activity over communal safety.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
