Cape Town has unveiled a specialised SWAT team and expanded aerial surveillance capabilities as the City prepares to strengthen its response to violent crime.
The new units were introduced by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Safety and Security MMC JP Smith on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
According to the City of Cape Town, the initiative will support operations targeting gang violence, extortion and dangerous suspects, while giving law enforcement officers access to advanced surveillance technology.
SWAT Team Preparing for Deployment
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit will assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) during high-risk arrests, hostage situations and operations involving armed suspects.
Eyewitness News (EWN) reported that the team was established in 2023 and has undergone months of specialised training.
Smith told EWN that operational deployments are expected to begin after officers graduate later in October.
The City confirmed that the unit has access to armoured vehicles, modern firearms, night vision equipment and thermal detection technology.
Some members have previous SAPS Special Task Force experience and are helping develop training programmes for future officers.
Drones to Strengthen Crime Prevention
The Metro Police Aviation Unit will use aircraft and drones to monitor crime hotspots, locate suspects and support search-and-rescue operations.
According to Engineering News, its equipment includes thermal cameras, artificial intelligence-assisted tracking systems and laser rangefinders.
Live footage can be transmitted to control centres, allowing officers to monitor incidents and coordinate responses from the ground.
Smith said aerial surveillance had already contributed to law enforcement operations and arrests.
City Expands Policing Resources
The specialised units form part of Cape Town’s wider investment in law enforcement infrastructure.
Hill-Lewis said the City had recruited more than 1,300 additional policing officers during the current term of office.
A new Joint Policing Services Operational Centre will integrate surveillance equipment, including drones, CCTV cameras and automatic number plate recognition systems.
Engineering News reported that the City plans to have nearly 3,000 body cameras deployed, while 530 enforcement vehicles already have camera systems.
Hill-Lewis maintained that expanding municipal policing resources would strengthen efforts to combat gang, gun and drug-related crime.