The success of the Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) programme introduced by the City of Cape Town towards the end of last year was highlighted at the Subcouncil 7 meeting held at the Municipal Office Complex in Durbanville this week.
The first Subcouncil meeting for 2026 was held on Wednesday 21 January.
Gerhard Fourie, Subcouncil chair, was delivering his chairperson’s speech when he mentioned the NSO’s work conducted in the wards.
He said the officers, who also operate in Plattekloof, Panorama, Welgelegen and Monte Vista in Ward 1 and Edgemead, Bothasig and Richwood in Ward 5, are tasked with bylaw enforcement, traffic enforcement and general crime prevention duties.
Between September and November 2025 their teams, who are deployed in more than 90 wards, arrested 115 suspects for drug-related crimes and confiscated 1 070 units of drugs, including Mandrax, dagga and tik, Fourie pointed out.
They also made arrests for dealing in prescription medication such as Xanax and cough syrup.
Through partnerships with local stakeholders, including the police, 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 possession of dangerous weapons including knives, zip guns and imitation firearms, Fourie said.
He said the NSOs have also put their traffic-enforcement training to good use, doing regular vehicle check points and stop street-enforcement operations, which resulted in the arrest of 31 people for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Residents can call the Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 with their issues and concerns.
Last year it was reported 809 NSOs would be deployed in the city to support law enforcement and make communities safer.
Fourie also congratulated the Matric class of 2025 on their good results, achieving the highest ever pass rate of 88,2%, which is a increase of 5,1%.
The next subcouncil meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18 February.
