‘Gangsters are unfazed’: SANDF deployment fails as Cape Town killings surge

The deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops to gang hotspots on the Cape Flats is facing mounting criticism, with residents and analysts saying the operation has failed to curb violence.

Two weeks into Operation Prosper, reports of more than 50 killings in a single week, including children, have raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the intervention.

Despite the military presence, shootings continue in broad daylight, and gang activity appears largely unchanged in several areas.

Expectations vs reality

Operation Prosper was launched amid high public expectations that a visible military deployment would stabilise gang-ridden communities.

But residents say the reality has fallen short.

Community voices and analysts argue that the operation lacks a clear, intelligence-led strategy and has not disrupted gang networks.

Instead of constant patrols and crackdowns, the SANDF is largely accompanying the police on targeted operations.

“Gangsters are unfazed”

Footage circulating from areas including Tafelsig and Ravensmead appears to show suspected gang members openly mocking law enforcement.

Residents say gangsters are not intimidated by the SANDF presence.

“They are showing the finger… not only to communities but also to those in power,” said reformed gang member and activist Ivan Waldeck.

He warned that without proper intelligence and community involvement, violence is likely to escalate.

“I can assure it will increase,” he said.

Intelligence failures flagged

Critics say the operation’s biggest weakness is the lack of intelligence-driven policing.

Waldeck said gangs are often alerted before raids take place, allowing suspects to evade arrest.

“The strategic coordination of gangsters… is far in advance,” he said.

Another resident described how murder suspects in his area were able to watch a raid unfold nearby and escape undetected.

“You can’t show me arrests… You can’t show me drugs that have been taken off the streets,” he said.

Calls for a new approach

There are growing calls for a shift in strategy, including stronger intelligence capabilities, tighter gun control, and deeper community involvement.

Waldeck said government, religious leaders, and communities must work together to confront the root causes of gang violence.

“At the end of the day, it’s about getting the guns off the street,” he said.

For now, many residents say Operation Prosper has failed to meet expectations, and gang violence continues unabated.

Related coverage: SANDF deployment under scrutiny

— Cape Flats violence persists despite army deployment

Residents in Lavender Hill say they are still living in fear despite the presence of soldiers and police, with gangsterism and extortion continuing. Community leaders warn that the intervention is not sustainable and gangs ‘hide away’ until troops leave.

— SANDF deployment ‘failing’ as shootings continue

Just days into Operation Prosper, multiple shootings, including incidents involving children, were recorded in Mitchells Plain. Critics say there is no clear plan, limited troop numbers, and no meaningful arrests or drug busts.

— Operation Prosper yields limited arrests

Anti-gang activists say the operation has had minimal impact, with only a handful of arrests reported early on, while shootings continued across the Cape Flats.

— ‘Haphazard’ rollout flagged by oversight officials

Parliament’s police committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, described the joint SANDF and police operation as disorganised, with dozens of shootings recorded over a single weekend despite the deployment.

— Questions raised despite some localised gains

While some community policing forums report short-term calm after raids, concerns remain that the intervention is not a long-term solution and requires deeper policing and intelligence capacity.

For more detailed information, listen to Waldeck on CapeTalk using the audio player below: