Nearly 300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have been deployed to crime-ridden areas in the Eastern Cape as part of Operation Prosper, a joint initiative with the South African Police Service (SAPS) that aims to combat drug networks, illegal firearms, extortion syndicates, and construction mafias in targeted communities.
The operation was officially inaugurated during a joint parade in Gqeberha on Thursday, attended by key officials and community representatives. Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata announced the deployment of 290 SANDF members to support SAPS efforts in addressing critical crime challenges in the region.
Targeted Areas
Targeted areas include Gelvandale, Chatty, and Kamesh in Nelson Mandela Bay, as well as Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay in the Sarah Baartman District, according to Ncata, who added that SAPS remains the lead agency, with SANDF as a force multiplier, acting strictly within the law and with respect for human rights, as outlined on the South African Government website.
Restoring Peace and Dignity
The mission, which will run until March 2027, is about restoring peace and dignity to communities, with communities urged to cooperate with law enforcement and to reject mob attacks. As noted by the South African National Defence Force, the SANDF plays a critical role in supporting the SAPS in maintaining law and order.
Some of the key objectives of Operation Prosper include:
- Disrupting drug networks and illegal firearms trade
- Combating extortion syndicates and construction mafias
- Restoring peace and dignity to communities
- Supporting the SAPS in maintaining law and order
