South African Police Service and National Defence Force members scanned gang hotspots in Cape Town on 18 and 19 March ahead of a full deployment. This preparatory exercise aims to surprise gang leaders and drug kingpins. The Cape Flats recorded 23 murders between 8 and 18 March.
Authorities from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) conducted a discreet scanning exercise in Cape Town hotspots on Wednesday 18 March and Thursday 19 March. Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that a select contingent carried out limited air and ground operations in areas including Kraaifontein, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Lavender Hill, Delft, Khayelitsha, Philippi East and Mfuleni. This is a preparatory phase, not the full deployment, to maintain the element of surprise against alleged gang leaders and drug kingpins. Potelwa stated: “The element of surprise is crucial to the success of joint SAPS and SANDF operations in hotspot areas. Its purpose is to pounce on alleged gang leaders and suspected drug kingpins and catch them off guard.” The SANDF deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s February State of the Nation Address and his 12 March comments to MPs, describing the army as a “force multiplier” for high-risk searches, roadblocks and patrols. General Rudzani Maphwanya reaffirmed joint efforts at a 15 March NatJoints briefing. Between 8 and 18 March, Cape Flats saw 23 murders, including four shot dead in Marikana, Philippi East on 8 March; five in Kalksteenfontein; two teenage boys killed in Elsies River on 18 March; taxi-related shootings in Delft; two men killed in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain on 18 March; and one in Lavender Hill on 18 March, per Captain FC van Wyk. Residents like Conny Jonkers from Elsies River expressed hope: “The police cannot stop the killings and we are praying that the army can bring peace to our communities so that our children can play safely.” Abie Isaacs of the Cape Flats Safety Forum welcomed the move, urging decisive action.
