Ward-based enforcement efforts kick into gear

04 December 2025

Over the past three months, the newly deployed Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) have started making their presence felt in communities across Cape Town. They’ve arrested more than 200 suspects for various crimes and confiscated over 1 000 units of drugs. Read more below:

Between September and November 2025, the NSO teams - who are deployed in over 90 wards -  have arrested 115 suspects for drug-related crimes and confiscated 1 070 units of drugs, including mandrax, dagga and tik.

They've also made arrests for dealing in prescription medication such as Xanax and cough syrup.

Through partnerships with local stakeholders including SAPS, Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums, the teams have participated in various operations and interventions, leading to the arrest of an additional 94 persons for various crimes ranging from attempted murder and burglary to the possession of dangerous weapons including knives, zip guns and imitation firearms.

The NSO teams have also recovered firearms and ammunition in Atlantis, Philippi and Macassar.  

'Over the last few weeks, I have joined the NSO teams on patrol in various communities including Uitsig, Plattekloof, Bonteheuewel and Manenberg. The presence of SAPS, Neighbourhood Watches, security companies and many others was a clear indication of officers who have integrated themselves into these communities. During a patrol in Rocklands, Mitchell's Plain I was impressed to see the teams had profiled every gang house, reported these issues to the necessary enforcement unit and had even reached out to assist an elderly woman whose home was affected by a recent fire, allegedly caused by drug users,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

'During a stop street operation with the NSOs in Dennemere, I was introduced to a 12-year-old boy who had been struck by a motorist who had failed to stop at that very spot, resulting in serious injuries. His mother explained how he was flung in the air and suffered various injuries and had to undergo brain surgery. While many residents question this type of enforcement, the story of this little boy is a reminder why we will continue to act against all traffic violations,' added Alderman Smith.

The NSOs are tasked with by-law enforcement, traffic enforcement and general crime prevention duties. 

The City reminds the public to report all issues and concerns by calling the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC) on  021 480 7700 and to obtain a reference number.

This is necessary for the Safety and Security Directorate to ensure effective command and control of operational staff and to develop profiles on each ward to assist in ensuring that the deployment is effective and responsive to issues reported.

'By logging service requests, the work done by the NSOs can be tracked and accountability and transparency can be ensured.  The City will soon be making available an app which will allow residents to report emergencies without the need for a phone call,' Added Alderman Smith.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office