More resources on the cards to meet demand for escorts

13 April 2025

Safety escorts have surged in recent years, as staff and service providers come under attack. Read more below:

Over a seven-month period between September 2024 and March 2025, the City's Law Enforcement Department has facilitated 1 925 escorts to various service departments.  

That's an average of 275 per month.

'We've seen a continued increase in requests for safety escorts, as the statistics show. There is a direct correlation between the quality of services and areas considered red zones and it cuts across departments, from basic services to firefighting and even disaster assessments. While some of the threats are linked to the growing prevalence of extortion, others are purely acts of brazen opportunism. Our enforcement services are to be commended for their efforts under sometimes very difficult circumstances, but we need to augment our existing resources to better respond to the demand,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In May 2023, the City launched the Facility Protection Officers (FPO) initiative, to protect staff, projects and City facilities – particularly in crime hotspots.

The initial deployment included 81 Law Enforcement Facility Protection Officers (FPOs) … however, the dramatic rise in requests for escorts resulted in the diversion of resources from day to day law enforcement functions to support the FPOs.   

In a bid to steady the ship, and ease the load on Area Law Enforcement staff, provision has been made in the draft budget for an additional 222 Facility Protection Officers (Escort Service Unit) to assist internal departments with the implementation of the City's projects in high risk areas.

Just over R100 million has been pencilled in, to be funded by the various Directorates, including Water & Sanitation, Energy, Urban Waste Management and Human Settlements.

'It's mind-boggling, the amount of money that is being spent on safeguarding staff and projects, but this is our reality. The attacks on staff and City contractors are relentless, and include very serious crimes, including armed robbery, hijacking and sadly even murder. The toll on our enforcement services too should not be underestimated, particularly as there are so many competing demands on our time and resources. We call on residents to take an active interest in the safety of those bringing services to their communities – if you see or know something, speak up. We have numerous reporting channels, including our anonymous tip-off line, where criminal activities can be reported,' added Alderman Smith.

Incidents of crime can be reported to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

Alternatively, the public can share tips for a potential reward via the City's 24-hour tip-off line on 0800 110 077.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office