New NSO team aims to enhance community safety in crime hotspots

The Neighbourhood Security Officers (NSO) team had been officially launched on Thursday, September 25, at the sub-council 18 offices on Buck Road, Lotus River, in a bid to strengthen the fight against crime.

Cape Town was set to strengthen community policing with the deployment of 700 new Metro Police officers, marking a historic expansion of neighbourhood safety across the city.

The City's mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, explained that the rollout of Neighbourhood Safety Officers will see five officers assigned to each of the city’s 93 wards, consisting of one sergeant and four constables.

The past few months have seen a rise in gang-related violence in areas such as Parkwood, Ottery, Lotus River, Lavender Hill and Retreat. (“Grassy Park police probe fatal Ottery shooting”, October 3), (“Shooting in Parkwood: Community urged to help identify suspect”, October 2), (Anti-Gang Unit arrests suspect in Parkwood for illegal firearms possession”, September 25).

Stakeholders at the launch included the police, sector neighbourhood watches and community police forums (CPFs).

Mr Southgate said the NSOs will focus on identified crime hotspots and increase visibility in affected areas in wards 65, 66, 67, 68,110 and 72.

“Simply put, there will be more boots on the ground,” he said.

He explained that leadership battles within gangs and ongoing recruitment, coupled with easy access to firearms and the proliferation of drugs, remain key drivers of violence in the area.

The NSOs, he added, will serve as a “force multiplier,” working with police and supporting neighbourhood watches.

When asked how residents can help prevent crime, Mr Southgate urged community members to continue reporting incidents.

“The community must report crime, no matter how small, so that police and law enforcement can identify hotspots, deploy resources, and plan operations accordingly,” he said.

Sergeant Alridge Isaacs, Grassy Park police spokesperson, said they were honoured to welcome the new Metro Police safety community officers deployed to the wards.

“Their presence is a great support to the South African Police Service, and together we will build a strong partnership to fight crime and keep our neighbourhoods safe,” he said.

Sergeant Isaacs added that the collaboration was not only about enforcement but also about “building trust and unity within our community. By working side by side, we can overcome challenges and ensure a safer, more peaceful environment for all.”

“We extend a warm welcome to our new officers and look forward to the positive difference their service will bring,” Sergeant Isaacs concluded.

Crimes can be reported to police at 10111, the City’s emergency line at 107, or 021 480 7700.