How successful has SANDF deployment been in week one?

SANDF units deployed to residential areas near Johannesburg. Picture: Facebook / SANDF The first South African National Defence Force (SANDF) boots hit the ground this week, with several deployments underway. Gauteng and Limpopo were the first areas to see soldiers in the streets, with the North West, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape expected soon.

Emphasising the need to curb violence in gang hotspots, at least three men were killed near Bishop Lavis in what police are considering a gang-related shooting. SANDF members have been seen in communities plagued by illegal mining, but no arrests or incidents have yet been confirmed. The SANDF was in Westbury, Riverlea and Eldorado Park, where officials stated their presence in those communities was “warmly received”.

Officials confirmed that Gauteng’s Joint Tactical Headquarters was commanded by Acting Officer Commanding Lieutenant Colonel ME Lekitlane. The SANDF was deployed in the area to assist the South African Police Service’s (Saps) Anti-Gang Unit to focus on gang-related issues, a unit commanded by Brigadier Albert Maphoto. The units arrested one man in Westbury for the possession of cocaine and crystal meth, with a second suspect arrested in Eldorado Park for another drug-related crime.

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Police confiscated R15 960 in cash and drugs worth an estimated value of R100 000. President Cyril Ramaphosa, during an oral reply session in parliament on Thursday, described the deployment as a “force multiplier” that would bring stability to communities. “Soldiers may also help to secure critical infrastructure, freeing Saps members to focus on investigations, arrests and building cases that lead to successful prosecutions.

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