Hanover Park CPF slams policing in area

THE Hanover Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) has criticised the policing by 60 law enforcement officers (LEO) in the area, saying their presence has done little to quell violent crimes.

The area has seen a continued spate of shootings, murders and rape cases, with about 20 to 30 confirmed rape cases over the past two to three months reported to the Philippi police station, according to Hanover Park CPF member Yaseen Johaar. In October 2020 and as part of the Western Cape Safety Plan, 60 Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers were sent to Hanover Park as a response to gang-related crime and violence.

Johaar recounted a string of crimes during February, including shootings, including gang-related shootings and murders, and gender-based violence including rape and attempted rape.

Johaar said visible patrols by these officers were few and far between and that they failed to work with the community in eradicating crime.

Hanover, Park CPF spokesperson Kashiefa Mohammed said most of the officers were found at the terminus and Lansdowne Shopping Centre.

“Since the 60 officers (were sent to) Hanover Park, the crime has never dropped. From a CPF point of view, they’re supposed to be visible in every street, court, any place in Hanover Park, but there’s so little visibility.”

Ward councillor Antonio van der Rheede said this was not correct, referring to the CPF as a disbanded group. He said crime in the ward had “drastically reduced” and that law enforcement officers were working shifts.

Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said he was collating information on the issue.