By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are preparing to initiate the planned deployment operation set up to identify crime hotspots in Cape Town. 

A specific faction of SAPS and SANDF members have been conducting an “operational scanning exercise”  on Wednesday and Thursday. 

This operation was announced in the State of the Nation address on February 12, the SAPS and SANDF would work in tandem in tackling gang violence and putting a stop to illicit mining in specific hotspots. 

“This exercise should not be mistaken for the actual commencement of deployment of the SANDF” said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, who made mention that these exercises are set in place to prepare for the deployment. 

“The operational exercise currently underway is essential preparation for the integrated forces ahead of the actual deployment” said Potelwa. Potelwa has also made mention that the exercise will form part of a limited air and ground presence in identified areas and also prepare to facilitate a coordinated working environment between the SAPS and the SANDF. 

“Members of the public are urged to respect the operational space these forces require and refrain from speculating about their presence in the targeted areas” Potelwa said further.

 The deployment will be aimed at targeting crime hotspots where gang violence is more prevalent, the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has highlighted in a statement he made on Wednesday, that the deployment will begin from April 1.

 “This intervention must be collaborative, intelligence-led, data-driven and operationally focused. We need coordinated plans that will actively dismantle criminal networks, gangs, and extortion groupings that continue to terrorise our communities. We must ensure that those responsible for violence, extortion, and organised crime are removed from our communities permanently through effective investigation and prosecution”  said Marais in her statement.

 Marais encouraged community residents to support law enforcement with any information surrounding gang/criminal activity.

 Various community leaders and stakeholders have expressed concern over constraints in capacity particularly for SAPS high-risk precincts and this will include increased visible policing. 

Other safety concerns such as increased taxi violence which saw the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association host a protest at Nyanga police station.