Call for Operation Prosper to focus on removing illegal guns from WC streets

An anti-gang activist says removing illegal guns from the streets should be the first priority for Operation Prosper. 

Despite the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) being deployed to gang hotspots, shootings have continued to flare up in Cape Town over the past week. 

Since the deployment six days ago, Operation Prosper has reported only two arrests for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in Elsies River. 

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Anti-gang activist Imraahn Mukaddam said without an integrated approach involving residents and community policing forums (CPFs), gang violence would continue. 

Mukaddam also believes Operation Prosper should be focused on removing illegal guns from the streets. 

"I think the army's role in terms of supporting the police and law enforcement in actually going in and taking the guns off the streets...that would be the biggest role that they need to play. Then we will see a reduction in violence." 

Mukaddam said without a coordinated effort involving the public, the operation would have little success. 

"Unless you have a real concerted effort by all the stakeholders, the army is not really going to make the kind of difference that we were hoping for," he added. 

He said police should also make more use of intelligence from the CPF structures within communities.