Operation Prosper: WC top cop vows to rid province of illegal guns and drugs

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said “Operation Prosper” will intensify during the year-long deployment.

About 200 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops joined South African Police Service (SAPS) and metro police in Mitchells Plain on Wednesday for day one of the operation to curb gang violence in the Western Cape.

Patekile joined the police and the army during raids at suspected drug dens and gang strongholds.

While Wednesday’s operation yielded no arrests, Patekile said there's still a long way to go.

READ: Mitchells Plain sees standoff between some Tafelsig residents and law enforcers

"We are starting 1st April this year to 31 March next year... But we want to retrieve the illegal firearms. We want to ensure that the drugs are off the street. We are dealing with the gang leaders and the gang members."

Patekile said the aim is to gather new intelligence to make arrests.

"As we speak, there are ground forces... Groundwork being done by intelligence... Collecting fresh intelligence as we move around in the areas."

Patekile said the operation will intensify as more information is gathered.

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