Significant drop in gang-related Hanover Park shooting incidents
During raids in Hanover Park, suspects were searched for drugs and weapons.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The City of Cape Town has made significant progress in combating gang violence, with recent statistics revealing a 20% decrease in shooting incidents and a remarkable 30% drop in Hanover Park over the last quarter.
Interventions spearheaded by the Safety and Security Directorate have led to the successful confiscation of 46 firearms and over 300 rounds of ammunition since January, targeting specific hotspots such as Hanover Park, Manenberg, Nyanga, and Lavender Hill.
Since the implementation of advanced gunshot detection technology — known as SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter) — in consultation with the South African Police Services (SAPS), authorities have been better equipped to respond to incidents of gun violence rapidly and effectively.
This innovative system allows law enforcement to hear and locate gunfire in real time, providing critical data to combat territorial disputes between rival gangs. Since January 2023, the system has recorded an eye-watering 24,795 rounds fired across the four targeted communities, marking a vital shift in the approach towards law enforcement in a city that has long been plagued by gun violence.
A victim who was shot in the back being transported to the ambulance.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In Hanover Park alone, the number of shooting incidents has dropped by 20% from 291 in the same period last year to 224. Additionally, the total rounds fired in the area have decreased by 30% from 817 to 546, demonstrating a broader shift towards community safety.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, said in Hanover Park, dedicated ShotSpotter deployment which consists of Metro Police, Law Enforcement, and Traffic Service.
'We're committed to tracking these cases in local courts, and our integrated approach allows us to analyse shooting patterns and ensure proactive policing in the area.'
The collaboration between various law enforcement departments has proven beneficial in the fight against crime. In one recent incident, five gunmen were apprehended after responding to ShotSpotter activations and receiving vital tip-offs from residents.
Smith said there are dedicated departments that track these cases at the local court to ensure the chain of custody is intact to secure better convictions, analyse shooting patterns so they can strategically deploy resources, and send out alerts.
Since 2021, City Law Enforcement and Metro Police officers have confiscated 705 firearms across the four ShotSpotter areas: Manenberg, Hanover Park, Nyanga, and Lavender Hill. Of these confiscations, we have obtained 33 guilty convictions. Some of these matters are still before the courts, and others were provisionally withdrawn as SAPS await the outcomes of ballistic reports.
Between January 2021 and January 2025, the City's enforcement agencies have removed 1,670 firearms from the streets of Cape Town. This includes prohibited firearms, zip guns, and replica firearms.
'We have obtained 81 guilty convictions, but many of these cases are still before the courts with 143 ballistic reports outstanding,' Smith said.
'The main misconception about ShotSpotter is that it will end gun violence. ShotSpotter is the alarm, not the sprinkler. It provides one single version of the truth about the high levels of gun violence affecting our communities. In the Safety and Security Directorate, we have integrated the data it provides to execute intelligence-driven policing. This data is shared with the SAPS. The City is also seeking legal opinion on ballistic testing and forensics to assist SAPS to hopefully address the ballistics backlog,' Smith added.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Batohi stands her ground as NPA prepares new Gupta extradition bid
National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Shamila Batohi announced that the NPA was working on extraditing the Gupta brothers. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, has revealed that they were in the process of renewing extradition attempts of the Gupta brothers. This is despite criticism of failed prosecutions and extradition. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Friday, Batohi said work was being done to ensure that the brothers were brought to justice. 'The NPA is working very hard, and I don't want to give a time frame, but I am certainly hoping that within the next couple of months, they will be able to put together a new extradition with additional charges,' she said. Batohi said that the previous application failed without any explanation on why their numerous notes sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had not been responded to. However, Batohi stressed that they would still face the same challenges because they didn't know what was the cause of the delay initially. 'We certainly don't want to experience the same fate with the new extradition application when we don't have some of the reasons from the UAE court denying the first application,' she said. The attempt to extradite the Gupta brothers was made in 2023. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Gupta brothers are accused of using their close relationship with former President Jacob Zuma to influence senior government decisions and appointments. This was for them to also profit financially from the state. The Zuma and Gupta families—collectively referred to as 'The Zuptas'—have been implicated in allegations of state capture, though both parties deny any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, political parties have been split over whether Batohi should step down or not. The call for her removal stems from NPA's high-profile failures, eroding public trust, and casting doubt on its ability to deliver justice. One of the most prominent disappointments has been the botched prosecution of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who faced multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking. ActionSA has urged Batohi to resign, pointing to a series of high-profile shortcomings within the NPA. In contrast, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed its opposition to her dismissal, signalling continued support for her tenure. But responding to criticism, Batohi said, she is not going anywhere. IOL Politics
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Law Society tackles Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng over racially charged courtroom outburst
Presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Ratha Mokgoatlheng has sparked outrage following his court outburst. Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi/Independent Newspapers The Law Society of South Africa is taking on presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Ratha Mokgoatlheng following his court outburst where he made several remarks with racial undertones. Mokgoatlheng on Thursday expressed outrage in court after learning that defence advocate Charles Mnisi has written to his registrar, requested to be excused from proceedings on Monday, to participate in the Comrades Marathon. The judge, visibly furious, made it clear that the seriousness of the Meyiwa murder trial could not be sidelined for personal activities. The judge also sharply raised the issue of decorum among the defence lawyers representing the five men accused of killing Meyiwa. Mokgoatlheng made the comment after advocate Charles Mnisi requested to be excused from proceedings on Monday to participate in the Comrades Marathon. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. "This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call Uncle Tom, I don't think a white advocate will ever have the gall to ask me that. Never," said Mokgoatlheng. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "I'm not going to respond. If Mr Mnisi doesn't want to come to court on Monday, that's his business. I will be in court and the JP (judge president) expects me to be in court," said Mokgoatlheng. "Can't tell the JP somebody's going to run the marathon. So, the case should stop. Everybody should watch the marathon, I suppose." He referenced several other judges who are athletes, including Judge Boissie Mbha and Constitutional Court Judge Rammaka Mathopo, pointing out that none of them have ever let athletic commitments interfere with their judicial responsibilities. Advocate Charles Mnisi Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, president of the Law Society of South Africa, Nkosana Mvundlela said Mokgoatlheng's remarks were out of line. 'It is a very unfortunate statement made by a presiding officer who has taken oath to defend and protect the rule of law and democracy. It is very saddening that almost 11 months ago, we were addressing the very same issue of these disparaging remarks that are made by a judge presiding in this matter,' said Mvundlela. 'It cannot be correct that judicial officers sit there and instead of addressing issues which they are unhappy with, the conduct of a practitioner who has written a letter or a note to them or via a registrar as they ought to and then they read it out to the public. 'In an unprovoked manner, a person then goes out and makes such unfortunate remarks. It is a sad day in South Africa that we are sitting with this kind of a conversation,' he said. Mvundlela said Mokgoatlheng's black and white comparisons cannot be divorced from racial connotations. 'It is a sad race remark which we call on to find a way of desisting from this thing particularly because it is a repeat conduct which we have already lamented about last year. It is rearing its ugly head again in his court. We would have expected him to understand that from where we sit as the Law Society of South Africa, we strive every day with our members - white, black, Indians and coloureds to ensure that we unite them,' said Mvundlela. 'Instead, a presiding officer sits there and draws comparisons of race undertones suggesting that it is because of your colour that you are thinking this way or that way. It is not something that we would not like to condone.' Mvundlela said as Mnisi had done, ethically, officers of the court are expected to address the judge through the registrar. The Law Society of South Africa reiterated that it does not understand why the judge took exception with Mnisi writing to the judge's registrar, seeking to be excused from court. 'I wouldn't somewhat decry those that feel that it is about time the matter is reported to the JSC (Judicial Service Commission) and the Judicial Conduct Committee must investigate this kind of conduct and make a finding about it, because if judicial officers are the ones going to be speaking against the Constitution, making racist remarks or any remarks that have an undertone of race in them to depict ability, inability or conduct akin to unacceptability, then we find it normal as society that we must accept it," said Mvundlela. 'We should actually call it what it is. When judicial officers are presiding, their job is to ensure they attract at least a sense of responsibility to themselves, to the society, that the society must continue trusting the justice system. Now, when people get there and speak with racial undertones, they are not attracting that kind of attitude towards the judicial system itself." On Thursday night, IOL reported that chairperson of the portfolio committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has demanded that Mokgoatlheng apologises to the national over the racially charged comments.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Mourners gather to pay tribute to murdered child, Likhona Fose
Scores of community members of Durban Deep, Roodepoort and anti-GBV organisations came out in their numbers to support the grieving family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was mutilated and killed in the area. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero has called on the police to find the people responsible for murdering Likhona Fose, 14. Fose, a Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, was found dead with her body mutilated in an empty field on Sunday, 1 June 2025, sparking reports of possible muthi and hate crime-related murder. On Thursday, Morero joined scores of mourners, including family, friends, learners from various schools and members of the Johannesburg City Council and MEC for education, Matome Chiloane and other officials who mourned the tragic manner in which the child died. The memorial service held at the Nkone Maruping Primary School in Braamfischerville attracted throngs of sympathisers who decried the scourge of GBVF and other violent crimes against women and children. The discovery of Fose's mutilated body coincided with Child Protection Week which started on May 29 and ended on Thursday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking to the mourners gathered at the Nkone Maruping Primary School, also in Braamfischerville, Morero said those responsible for Fose's death and who deal with body parts of young people will never be rich. "Body parts will not make you rich. We want to tell our people that to get rich they must wake up in the morning and work hard. It is painful to lose a child like this. As the city, we are here to comfort the family. Your child was killed by criminals, and I hope the police will do everything in their power to find the perpetrator so that justice is done," he said. On Wednesday, former Chief of the JMPD, David Tembe, who visited the family indicated that the JMPD and other law enforcement agencies would prioritise police visibility in the area. "This is no longer business as usual. The brutal murder of Likhona Fose has shaken the soul of our city. As the Public Safety leadership, we are declaring war on crime as we will be unleashing every tactical unit on the killers. "We are coming for those who think our children are targets. Johannesburg will not be a playground for criminals. We owe Likhona justice, we owe our people safety and we will deliver, no compromise, no retreat," he stated.
