The City of Cape Town is assisting the South African Police Service (SAPS) in investigating an alleged explosive device found at the Jewish Community Centre in Cape Town on Friday, December 6. The discovery of the device, reportedly thrown over the front wall of the community centre, prompted a swift response from local authorities. According to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, the city’s Metro Police were immediately involved in supporting SAPS with the analysis of CCTV footage, aiming to shed light on the incident. The city’s Safety & Security Information Management Services (SSIMS) is also coordinating support for the investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being handled.
Although SAPS has yet to confirm the exact nature of the device, the case has been referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, which is typically tasked with handling sensitive and high-profile criminal cases. Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasized that the referral to the Hawks signals the gravity of the situation and the high level of attention it is receiving from law enforcement. Should the investigation determine that the incident was indeed an attempted attack on the Jewish Community Centre, the mayor has vowed to condemn it in the strongest terms, emphasizing Cape Town’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Cape Town has long prided itself on being a city where people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome, with a rich history of peaceful expression and mutual respect. Hill-Lewis reiterated this point, stating that any act of violence or intimidation against the Jewish community or any other group would be entirely contrary to the city’s values. “Our city has a long and proud history of being a safe place for people of all religions to live and express their faith and traditions,” Hill-Lewis said, calling on all Capetonians to commit to upholding and defending this legacy of peace and inclusivity.
To assist SAPS in their investigation, the City of Cape Town has leveraged its investment in various advanced safety technologies, which have proven effective in addressing criminal activity across the city. Alderman JP Smith, the city’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, highlighted how tools like CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), gunfire detection systems, and aerial surveillance have been instrumental in enhancing public safety. These technologies have helped recover firearms, locate missing persons, and provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations.
Smith noted that the city’s ongoing investment in such technologies has made Cape Town a leader in using data-driven approaches to improve safety and security. With the ability to track vehicles through ANPR, detect gunshots in real-time, and monitor public spaces with aerial surveillance, the city is equipped to support law enforcement agencies in tackling complex investigations like the one at the Jewish Community Centre. Smith also acknowledged the collaborative efforts between local authorities and SAPS, stressing the importance of working together to ensure public safety.
As the investigation into the alleged explosive device continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution that reaffirms Cape Town’s commitment to peace and security. The incident has brought attention to the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the face of potential threats. While the investigation is ongoing, the city’s leadership remains firm in its resolve to ensure that Cape Town remains a safe, welcoming space for all its residents, regardless of their faith or background.
