Nearly 1,300 people have been arrested across the country since last month as part of Operation Prosper, a nationwide security initiative aimed at combating organised crime and restoring stability in affected communities.
Authorities say the arrests are linked to the possession of 30 illegal firearms, narcotics, and gold-bearing materials believed to be connected to unlawful mining activities. The operation follows the deployment of military personnel to support law enforcement agencies in tackling gang violence, extortion, and illegal mining across the country’s five regions.
The intensified crackdown has sparked debate over its effectiveness, the role of the military in civilian policing, and the long-term measures needed to address the root causes of crime.
Pikkie Greef, National Secretary of the South African National Defence Union (SANDU), spoke to VOC News about the impact of Operation Prosper and the broader security challenges facing the country.
Photo: @SANDF_ZA/X
