Minister Marais lauds LEAP successes

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has lauded the most recent successes of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers deployed in the Cape Town Metro. 

The latest tabulated statistics cover the period 12 to 18 August 2024. In the week under review:

- 264 fines were issued, among others, to illegal liquor outlets. 
- A total of 162 joint operations were undertaken with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 
- A total of 215 arrests were executed by LEAP officers. Of these, 147 were for drug possession, 13 for the possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, 3 for drug dealing, 5 for robbery, 3 for attempted hijacking and 1 for assault.

Copper-wire, guns, ammunition, drugs, mobile phones and other stolen property were some of the items confiscated from arrested suspects.

Just one example of a LEAP success in Delft was during a patrol on 17 August when officers heard gunshots. On arrival at the scene, they were informed by community members that the shots came from a white car. While patrolling, the officers saw a car fitting the description. During a stop-and-search the officers found a 9mm pistol. The driver claimed he had forgotten the firearm licence in another vehicle. The individual was subsequently taken into custody and handed over to the SAPS.

“I commend our LEAP officers for these successes and for all they do for our residents. Every firearm and every round of ammunition which is taken out of the hands of criminals, and every drug dealer taken off the streets, is a victory for the people of the Western Cape. I encourage our LEAP officers to keep up good work, and to forge closer partnerships with other authorities to further bolster our crime-fighting efforts," Minister Marais said.