SoundThinking Technology and Integrated Policing Drive Results
Key Points:
- 30% decrease in Hanover Park shootings achieved through strategic firearm seizures, real-time detection, and proactive policing.
- Over 24,000 gunfire incidents recorded by SoundThinking since January 2023 in four targeted communities.
- 705 firearms confiscated and 81 convictions recorded citywide since 2021, with more in process.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The City of Cape Town has reported a 30% decrease in gang-related shootings in Hanover Park in the last quarter. Citywide, shooting incidents dropped by 20%. These improvements show that targeted enforcement and modern technology are changing the tide in high-risk areas.
Authorities Seize Firearms and Detect Gunfire in Real Time
Since January, the Safety and Security Directorate confiscated 46 illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition. Officers targeted well-known hotspots, including Manenberg, Nyanga, Lavender Hill and Hanover Park.
Moreover, Cape Town credits its success in part to SoundThinking — formerly known as ShotSpotter. This advanced technology detects and locates gunfire in real time. As a result, officers respond faster and with more accuracy.
“ShotSpotter has helped us monitor gunfire incidents more accurately,” said Alderman JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security. “We can now allocate resources based on actual gunfire patterns instead of assumptions.”
SoundThinking recorded 24,795 gunshots across four key areas since January 2023. Specifically in Hanover Park, the number of incidents fell from 291 to 224. The number of rounds fired also dropped from 817 to 546. These statistics demonstrate significant progress.
Strategic Collaboration and Legal Focus Strengthen Results
In a recent operation, law enforcement officers arrested five armed suspects. They responded to ShotSpotter alerts and quickly acted on crucial tips from residents.
“Our teams actively track these cases in local courts,” Smith explained. “We make sure evidence remains intact so we can secure strong convictions. Additionally, we study shooting patterns to deploy officers where they’re needed most.”
The Hanover Park gang violence reduction initiative continues to gain momentum. It thrives on data-driven responses and strong community engagement. Officers have removed 1,670 firearms from Cape Town’s streets since 2021. These include zip guns, illegal weapons and replica firearms.
Between 2021 and now, officers seized 705 firearms from ShotSpotter-monitored areas alone. These efforts led to 33 guilty convictions. Smith confirmed that 81 citywide convictions have been secured, though 143 ballistic reports remain outstanding.
Hanover Park gang violence reduction efforts benefit from consistent collaboration with the South African Police Service. The City is also working with legal experts to address delays in ballistic testing. This move will help speed up court processes and secure justice more effectively.
