Minister Anroux Marais denounces violence against LEAP officers in Hanover Park

Police are investigating two separate violent incidents in Cape Town after LEAP officers were attacked while responding to gang gunfire in Hanover Park Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has condemned attacks on Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers who were assaulted by community members while responding to gang-related gunfire in Hanover Park. According to her office, the incident unfolded on, March 10, when LEAP officers on patrol heard gunshots and drove towards what was described as an active shooting between rival gangs. Officers called for backup, with additional LEAP units responding from Elsies River and Manenberg.

During the operation, one officer reportedly spotted a suspected gunman and gave chase. The suspect was apprehended and searched, and officers recovered a .38 Special revolver containing one live round and four empty cartridges. However, the situation escalated when a group of community members allegedly began throwing stones at officers and attempted to attack them in an effort to prevent the suspect from being arrested.

Two officers were struck with stones but were not seriously injured. Authorities said officers were forced to release the suspect and withdraw from the area due to safety concerns. The firearm was secured and later booked in as evidence at Philippi police station.

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Later that evening, at about 9.45pm, LEAP officers returned to the area on foot in a coordinated operation with members from Gugulethu and Nyanga, while patrol vehicles secured the perimeter. Officials said officers searched locations where the suspect is believed to frequent but were unable to locate him. On arrival, they found a man who had been fatally shot.

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