Statement on LEAP successes for the month of June

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, applauds the successes achieved by the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) in the month of June. LEAP is a joint initiative between the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government to implement and give effect to achieving the targets of the Western Cape Safety Plan to create safer and more cohesive communities.

Minister Marais said, “In the month of June, LEAP officers searched 5 256 people and 118 homes. This led to 158 arrests, as well as the confiscation of firearms, ammunition and drugs, including Mandrax, dagga, tik, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy. We salute the LEAP officers involved, and thank all law enforcement partners for our collaborative efforts.”

An example of the successes took place on Saturday 29 June at approximately 21:53 in Karen Road Manenberg.  LEAP officers received a ShotSpotter complaint from control at No. 12 Lillian Walk, Manenberg. Upon arrival at the address a man was spotted running away. Officers jumped out of the vehicle and chased him.

An officer caught him at The Downs in Manenberg and questioned him. The suspect said he would tell the officers where he hid a firearm. He took the officers to Karen Road in Manenberg, where he pointed to the water reading meter. He opened it and the officer found a Llama.38 Special and four live rounds of ammunition.

Minister Marais commented, “At a time of heightened gang violence, we deeply appreciate the efforts of our LEAP officers and our collaboration with colleagues across the sector. The only way to beat crime is through a wholehearted effort by all role players. Communities are asked to assist all law enforcement officers by reporting any suspicious activity.”