Cape Town Launches SWAT Teams and Drones to Fight Crime
Cape Town Rolls Out SWAT Teams and Drones to Strengthen Fight Against Crime CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — 9 October 2026 The City of Cape Town is strengthening its response to violent crime with specialised tactical policing teams and expanded drone surveillance capabilities. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith officially unveiled the new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Metro Police Aviation units on Wednesday, 7 October. The initiative forms part of the city's wider investment in public safety, technology and law enforcement. New SWAT Unit to Target High-Risk Crime Cape Town's specialised SWAT team has been established to assist with dangerous operations that require additional training, equipment and tactical expertise. The unit is expected to support responses to gang-related violence, extortion, hostage situations and high-risk arrests. According to city officials, the team has undergone months of specialised training ...