Table View Residents Call for More Police Patrols

Residents of Table View are calling for heightened police patrols and greater Metro officer deployment following a surge in violent house robberies, assaults, and one murder in recent weeks and months. The community is seeking more proactive night operations to combat the escalating crime.

The greater Table View area has experienced a rise in violent home invasions, with criminals targeting properties deemed easily accessible and lacking robust security measures. According to the Table View CPF, the modus operandi of the criminals is to source properties that have easy access and less security. Operations by the CPF and its partners are strategically guided by weekly crime pattern analysis to ensure resources and visibility are focused where they are most needed.

In February, a robbery took place in Thetford Street when a homeowner was woken by three thieves wearing balaclavas who proceeded to tie him and his son up before emptying two safes and making off with bank cards, a firearm, cellphones, electronic appliances, clothes, and a Mercedes Benz.

In November 2025, the body of a 75-year-old man was discovered by an armed response officer at his home in Sceptre Crescent, Flaming Vlei, with his hands and feet bound and the place in disarray. [Editor’s note: The source states November 2025; publication timing should be verified to confirm whether this is a future date.]

Police, alongside the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and a private security company, conducted an operation on June 10 targeting Sunridge and Westriding in Table View, resulting in the arrest of 18 undocumented foreign nationals. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed: “The purpose of the operation was the prevention of house break-ins in the Sunridge and Westriding area in Table View. Table View SAPS, in collaboration with private security personnel and CPF members, were deployed in the area, and they arrested 18 undocumented foreigners. The operation was a success, with no burglaries reported thus far.” Police had not confirmed charges at the time of publication, and the Cape Argus approached Home Affairs for comment.

The CPF noted that incidents have occurred at varying times, including during the daytime when residents are away at work, as well as during late night and early morning hours. The CPF, together with SAPS and security partners, conducts ongoing weekly operations in several identified hotspot areas.

Community activist Philippe Roche said the house burglaries have become more violent in recent months. “The problem is we have never seen LEAP officers in Blouberg, or Sunridge, or Eden on the Bay, or Big Bay. Some people are spending huge amounts of money now for armed response companies to have LPR cameras installed, which costs a fortune, but people are tired; they are paying for it. The problem in Table View is that there is not enough police presence, not enough Metro Police presence, and not enough patrols. There is crime during the day, but it is not the same as at night; this has resulted in many residents getting together in Table View to create a CID.”

Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith explained why LEAP officers are not deployed in Table View. “Officers attached to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) are deployed to crime and gang hotspots. This is the entire premise of LEAP and has been consistently communicated as such. Their deployments are dictated by SAPS’s crime statistics, and that is why LEAP officers are currently deployed in Delft, Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, and Gugulethu as the worst affected policing precincts in terms of murder, attempted murder, and other serious and violent crime. The City also has an ever-expanding network of CCTV cameras in many parts of the metropole – Brooklyn, Table View, and Milnerton are already part of the network.”

Frequently asked questions

What is driving the increased demand for armed response companies in Table View?

Residents are seeking additional security measures due to the rise in violent house robberies, with many investing in LPR cameras and private security firms to protect their properties from criminals targeting vulnerable homes. The lack of sufficient police presence exacerbates this need.

Why aren't LEAP officers deployed to Table View?

LEAP officers are strategically deployed to the worst crime hotspots in Cape Town, as determined by SAPS’s crime statistics, which currently include Delft, Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu. The City also operates a CCTV network across various areas of the metropole.

What type of crimes are prevalent in Table View?

The area is experiencing a surge in violent house robberies, assaults, and one murder, with criminals often targeting properties during daytime hours or late at night. The modus operandi involves theft of valuables, including firearms, electronics, and vehicles.

What actions are being taken to address the crime situation?

The Table View CPF, alongside SAPS and private security companies, conducts ongoing weekly operations in identified hotspot areas. Police have also conducted targeted operations with the assistance of private security firms and CPF members.

How do criminals operate in Table View?

Criminals are targeting properties with easy access and lacking robust security measures, often operating during daytime or late-night hours to maximize their chances of success. They frequently use balaclavas and employ tactics such as tying up residents before stealing valuables.

What is the purpose of the operation conducted on June 10th?

The operation targeted Sunridge and Westriding in Table View with the aim of preventing house break-ins, resulting in the arrest of 18 undocumented foreign nationals. The initiative was a success, with no burglaries reported at the time of publication.

Source: iol.co.za