The law enforcement advancement plan officers (Leap) are assisting police and neighbourhood watches to curb gang violence in the Grassy Park area.
Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Melvin Jonkers said the extra forces have stabilised volatile areas since gang violence claimed innocent lives in Ottery three weeks ago.
“We welcome the extra forces deployed to our area. They are assisting local police to combat gang violence.”
Gang violence claimed four lives in the space of two weeks in Ottery and Grassy Park last month.
“The shooting has subsided after police put in a major of effort.
“As CPF we requested police to maintain visibility in surrounding areas where shooting has taken place.
“Neighbourhood watches, Metro Police and the anti-gang unit are also assisting police.”
The officers are focusing on all the hotspots in Parkwood, Ottery and Grassy Park.
Jonkers is, however, pleading with the community not to interfere or attack police when they execute their duties, this after they were attacked on Saturday night.
“Again our police officers were attacked in Ottery on Saturday 7 May, when they found a perpetrator with drugs.
“We have a campaign to stop the attacks on police, ambulance and fire and rescue services. We are asking the community to refrain from interfering with the police when they are carrying out their duties or arresting a perpetrator. Let the justice system sort out whether the perpetrator is innocent or guilty.”
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said in the week of 25 April alone, Leap officers performed 90 arrests across different areas.
“When national government reduced police by nearly 12 000 members from 2016 to 2020, the City of Cape Town knew it’s cries had been falling on deaf ears.
“While police will always hold the ultimate authority for crime prevention, local police members eagerly accept the helping hand whilst themselves being starved of resources.”
He added that as more funding becomes available, additional stations will be similarly resourced.
“The Leap Reaction Unit was created to offer immediate assistance to areas that suffer intense gang violence but who may not yet be receiving the permanent Leap support.
“Other units such as the Metro specialised Gang and Drug Task Team and K9 Unit will still assist additional areas such as Hanover Park, Ottery and elsewhere if needed,” Smith concluded.
