LEAP records increased drug and firearm confiscations
24 June 2026
In the 11 months since July, officers attached to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan have increased drug confiscations by 41% and removed 148 firearms and nearly 1 500 rounds of ammunition from the streets of the areas where they are deployed.
Since September 2024, the LEAP deployments have centred on Delft, Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, and Gugulethu – areas with the highest murder rates, according to the SAPS crime statistics.
A specialised Reaction Unit of 120 members was launched to swiftly respond to sudden, violent flare-ups in other areas like Hanover Park, Manenberg, Atlantis, Kraaifontein, and Elsies River.
In addition to the firearm and contraband confiscations between July 2025 and April this year, LEAP officers have also recorded increases in overall arrests and several other categories, including proactive inspections of premises like scrap yards, liquor outlets etc.
|
|
July 2024 –
May 2025 |
July 2025 –
May 2026 |
|
Arrests | 7 812 | 8 537 |
|
Escorts | 419 | 758 |
|
Ammunition | 4 812 | 1 443 |
|
Firearms | 125 | 148 |
|
Imitation firearms | 30 | 27 |
|
Drugs | 18 797.25 | 26 546,5 |
|
Inspections | 2 458 | 2 717 |
‘The statistics are encouraging, particularly the increase in confiscations. Officers are taking, on average, more than a dozen firearms off the street every month, and the near 50% increase in drug confiscations too is something to be proud of, particularly with the commemoration of World Drug Day on 26 June. Drug abuse not only tears apart our social fabric, but the trade fuels organised crime and much of the gang violence that continues to plague parts of our city,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
LEAP officers are increasingly being requested to assist with safeguarding City officials in high crime areas to ensure service delivery continues amid ongoing threats of extortion and crime.
‘A review of the most recent crime statistics showed a reduction in the number of murders in all but one of the areas where our LEAP deployment is active. While encouraging, we are under no illusion that a lot more work needs to be done.
‘And, it bears repeating – removing firearms and criminals from the streets means little if it’s not backed up by speedy and thorough investigations and prosecutions. The City has expressed its willingness and ability to assist, so the ball really is in the court of national government,’ added Alderman Smith.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
