The Western Cape is expected to receive much-needed support in its fight against organised crime with the deployment of 2200 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers by 1 April, according to Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais.
This announcement follows a meeting with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape, providing clarity on the timeline for the rollout of the soldiers, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week.
Combatting Organised Crime
The deployment of the SANDF is aimed at assisting the police in tackling organised crime, including illicit mining, which has been a major concern for the province. Marais emphasized that the intervention must be collaborative, intelligence-led, data-driven, and operationally focused, with coordinated plans to dismantle criminal networks, gangs, and extortion groups that terrorise communities.
Marais also stressed the importance of involving all local law enforcement structures to ensure a unified effort against organised crime and gang activity. She urged the SAPS to ensure that operations result in successful prosecutions, not just arrests.
Community Involvement
Marais called on residents across the Western Cape to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity, stating that communities are critical partners in the fight against crime. She encouraged residents to come forward with information about illegal firearms, those responsible for shootings, or drug and gang houses.
Abie Isaacs, chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, expressed the community’s eagerness for the military deployment, citing the high incidence of shootings in the area. According to the South African Government website, the deployment of the SANDF is part of a broader effort to address crime and violence in the country.
The South African National Defence Force has been involved in various operations to support the police in addressing crime and violence.
- Assisting the police in high-crime areas
- Providing support for anti-gang operations
- Conducting joint patrols with the police
The deployment of the SANDF is a significant development in the fight against organised crime in the Western Cape, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the safety and security of communities in the province.
