THE City of Cape Town will be pouring more money into safety escorts for staff and service providers.
With growing concerns over attacks on staffers and first responders in crime hotspots, Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith revealed that between September 2024 and March 2025, the City's Law Enforcement Department has facilitated 1 925 escorts to various service departments.
In a statement released by the City, Smith says: “We've seen a continued increase in requests for safety escorts, as the statistics show.
“There is a direct correlation between the quality of services and areas considered red zones and it cuts across departments, from basic services to firefighting and even disaster assessments.
“While some of the threats are linked to the growing prevalence of extortion, others are purely acts of brazen opportunism.
“Our enforcement services are to be commended for their efforts under sometimes very difficult circumstances, but we need to augment our existing resources to better respond to the demand.”
Following an initial deployment in May 2023 of 81 Law Enforcement Facility Protection Officers (FPOs), the City’s new draft budget will make provision for an additional 222 officers to assist internal departments.
With over R100 million being pencilled in, Smith adds: “It's mind-boggling, the amount of money that is being spent on safeguarding staff and projects, but this is our reality.”
Incidents of crime can be reported to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
Alternatively, the public can share tips for a potential reward via the City's 24-hour tip-off line on 0800 110 077.