Police Oversight and Community Safety

(a) SAPS has implemented the continued execution of Operation Shanela complemented by, inter alia, high-density deployments and intelligence-led operations. These efforts are bolstered by Operation Prosper where the SAPS and SANDF are deployed in joint operations along with the City of Cape Town Safety and Security directorate, to provide a high-visibility deterrent and support “boots on the ground” in gang hotspots.

THE MINISTER OF POLICE OVERSIGHT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY TO REPLY:

3.  (a) The stabilisation of high-violence areas is primarily the mandate of the South

      African Police Service (SAPS). However, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and Neighbourhood Watches (NHWs) play a critical role as force multipliers, supporting SAPS and Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers through integrated crime and violence prevention initiatives.

In Mitchells Plain, the Department facilitated the establishment of the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF) in January 2026, following stakeholder engagements since July 2025. The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) has secured R9 million in funding for the MPSDF  to implement community-driven safety and development projects from April 2026. These include:

• Establishment of five (5) Safe Zones and Hubs;
• Trauma-informed programmes and holiday activities for youth across 16 areas;
• Youth empowerment initiatives, including Safety Ambassador training and exposure opportunities;
• Skills development and employability programmes;
• Community-based support interventions such as statement-taking and victim support; and
• Training for CPFs and NHWs in conflict resolution, first aid, safety, and gender-based violence.

     In the Philippi (Hanover Park) area, an integrated, multi-sectoral approach is being

implemented through collaboration between government departments and local safety stakeholders. This includes targeted interventions to address emerging risks such as youth involvement in stone-throwing incidents, with community-led engagements and law enforcement actions, resulting in recent arrests for public violence.

(b) The Department supports NHWs through formal accreditation, capacity building, resource provision, and funding for safety initiatives, ensuring that they operate as structured, capable, and accountable community safety partners, in partnership with SAPS. CPFs are similarly supported through basic capacitation, in partnership with SAPS, and access project-based funding when CPFs apply.

Over the past two financial years (2024/25 and 2025/26), support provided in key areas includes:

• Mitchells Plain:
  • Seven (7) NHWs accredited, 11 resourced, and two (2) trained
  • Total NHW funding to four (4) NHWs in total: R70,000  
  • CPF funding: R36,000
  • Note: The CPF is currently suspended, with processes underway for resolution. NHWs remain functional and supported.

• Hanover Park (Philippi):
  • Five (5) NHWs accredited and resourcing provided to one (1) NHW
  • Total NHW funding to one (1) NHW: R25,000
  • The CPF is functional and supported through intergovernmental collaboration and provision of resources (e.g. radios, PPE, and training).
• Delft:
  • 24 NHWs accredited, 24 resourced, and one (1) trained
  • Total NHW funding to 14 NHWs in total: R210,000
  • CPF funding: R25,000
  • The Delft CPF remains functional and continues to implement safety initiatives within the area. In partnership with SAPS, the CPF collaborated with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to provide security training to 40 unemployed youth, thereby enhancing their prospects for potential employment at the airport. The CPF further continues to implement additional community safety projects.

Across all three (3) areas, NHWs and CPFs receive ongoing support through training, resources (including equipment and branded materials), and coordinated engagement with SAPS and local government to strengthen community-based safety interventions.