Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have begun patrolling gang-affected areas across Cape Town, marking the start of a year-long deployment aimed at stabilising crime hotspots in the Western Cape.
The soldiers joined a South African Police Service (SAPS)-led operation on Wednesday, with boots on the ground in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain. The deployment is expected to run until March 2027.
The operation comes amid ongoing violence in several communities. Recent shootings were reported at Retreat, Manenberg and Hanover Park.
Police confirmed the death of two individuals in a shooting in Hanover Park, with the suspects still at large.
Spokesperson Wesley Twigg said one victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries after being transported to a medical facility.
“The 25-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim was transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle, where he was declared dead on arrival. The motive for the attack forms part of an ongoing investigation. The suspects fled the scene and have yet to be arrested,” Twigg said.
In a separate incident, Steenberg police are investigating a murder after a 35-year-old man was shot and killed in Beethoven Street in Retreat.
“Upon arrival, officers found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared deceased on the scene. According to reports, the victim was approached by unknown suspects who shot him before fleeing,” Twigg added.
Community leaders say the violence remains persistent.
Speaking to VOC News, Hanover Park activist Yaseen Johaar described the sound of gunfire as a constant reality.
“There has never been a time where the community of Hanover Park can say that gang violence has stopped. It’s a continuation month after month,” Johaar said.
He added that deeper social challenges continue to fuel crime, including high levels of unemployment, school dropouts and lack of access to basic services.
Meanwhile, Roscoe Jacobs, founder of Gangsterism Must Fall, welcomed the SANDF deployment but cautioned that it is not a long-term solution.
“The army is not a permanent solution. If we are serious about ending gangsterism, we must address the socio-economic conditions that drive it, poverty, unemployment, inequality and lack of opportunities for young people,” Jacobs said.
He called on the government to complement the security intervention with sustained investment in job creation, education, housing, and youth development.
While authorities hope the deployment will help restore stability, communities say lasting change will depend on addressing the root causes of crime.
VOC News
Photo: Supplied/Hanaa Moos
