Residents in Cape Town are eager for the deployment of SANDF members as shootings continue to plague communities on the Cape Flats.
- Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais says members of the South African National Defence Force could be deployed in the province by 1 April 2026.
- The timeline follows last week’s announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa authorising the deployment of 2 200 soldiers across five provinces.
- Residents in Cape Town are eager for the deployment as shootings continue to plague communities on the Cape Flats.
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais says members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) could be deployed in the province by 1 April.
Marais said the timeline was indicated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape following a recent meeting, adding that it provides much-needed clarity on when soldiers may arrive.
There has been uncertainty about the rollout since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last week that he had authorised the deployment of 2 200 soldiers across five provinces.
The soldiers are expected to assist police in tackling organised crime, including illicit mining.
Marais said that while increased law enforcement visibility could help stabilise communities, the deployment should not be merely symbolic.
“This intervention must be collaborative, intelligence-led, data-driven and operationally focused. We need coordinated plans that will actively dismantle criminal networks, gangs and extortion groups that continue to terrorise our communities,” she said.
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She added that all local law enforcement structures must be involved to ensure a coordinated effort against organised crime and gang activity.
Marais also urged the SAPS to ensure that operations result not only in arrests but also in successful prosecutions.
She called on residents across the Western Cape to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity.
“Our communities are critical partners in the fight against crime. We urge residents to come forward with information – whether it is about illegal firearms, those responsible for shootings, or drug and gang houses,” she said.
Abie Isaacs, chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, said communities in Cape Town were still waiting for the military deployment after soldiers were seen in parts of Johannesburg.
“We are wondering when the army will come to the Cape Flats because there are shootings every day,” Isaacs said.
Police did not respond to questions. However, Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile previously told News24 that while planning for the deployment had been finalised, he could not provide a specific date for the soldiers’ arrival.
Velani Ludidi
www.news24.com
