The Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers are continuing their efforts to eradicate illegal firearms from communities. Between 30 October to 3 December, the officers confiscated 27 firearms and successfully made 1 253 arrests for various criminal offences.
Also read: Four killed in collision between livestock truck and Audi outside Heidelberg
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
LEAP is a collaborative initiative between the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the City of Cape Town (CoCT), stemming from the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP).
The 27 firearms confiscated were:
- 4 Pistols and x1 revolver in Bishop Lavis
- 1 Firearm and x1 zip gun in Delft
- 1 Firearm and x2 pistols in Harare
- 1 Revolver and x1 firearms in Manenberg
- 1 Pistol in Mitchells Plain
- 1 Pistol and x1 zip gun in Mfuleni
- 2 Revolvers in Philippi
- 3 Pistols in Philippi East
- 5 Zip guns and x1 revolver in Samora Machel and
- 1 Pistol in Steenberg
Among others, the arrests included:
- 22 for the possession of illegal firearms,
- 12 for the possession of imitation firearms,
- 74 for the possession of dangerous weapons,
- 840 for the possession of drugs and
- 24 for dealing in drugs.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said: ‘LEAP’s efforts are continuing to bear fruit in the areas where they are deployed.’
‘The continued confiscations and arrests are helping to ensure that perpetrators are placed behind bars and unable to torment our communities.’
‘Despite working under immense strain, it is commendable that our LEAP officers work tirelessly to make our communities safer.’
‘We initiated LEAP to combat the high murder rates in the hotspot areas, and I want to assure our residents that we will remain resolute in our efforts. Our aim as the WCG is to halve the murder rate by 2029, and this will not change.’
LEAP is strategically deployed, and its operations are based on evidence and data in the top 10 murder areas in the Western Cape, which are Delft, Gugulethu, Harare, Khayelitsha (Site B policing precinct), Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Philippi East and Samora Machel. The officers are also deployed to other high-crime areas such as Atlantis, Bishop Lavis and Hanover Park, along with Lavender Hill, Steenberg and Grassy Park.
LEAP’s operations are based on evidence and data and its officers work with a multitude of law enforcement agencies, including City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies, the South African Police Service (SAPS), neighbourhood watches (NHWs), community policing forums (CPFs) and various other stakeholders.
Discover unbeatable offers on affordable vehicles for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
JP Smith gives stern warning to visitors this festive season
Picture: Supplied
