A joint operational parade was held on Tuesday at 35 Squadron, bringing together the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, and the City of Cape Town ahead of a major crime prevention deployment on the Cape Flats. The parade forms part of final preparations for Operation Prosper, which will see SANDF members deployed to support SAPS in crime-affected areas across the Western Cape.
Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Media
THE South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is set to begin its deployment in gang-ridden areas on the Cape Flats from Wednesday.
The SANDF will support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in intensified crime prevention operations, officials said, following a joint parade in Belhar on Tuesday.
The parade, held at 35 Squadron, formed part of final readiness preparations under Operation Prosper, bringing together the SAPS, SANDF, and the City in a show of coordinated force.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the event confirmed that law enforcement agencies were fully prepared for deployment.
"This parade marks a critical milestone in ensuring the safety and security of our people in the Western Cape and in the country," he said.
"The purpose of this gathering is to confirm that we are prepared, united in purpose, and strategically aligned for this joint effort."
Mosikili confirmed that SANDF members will be deployed from Wednesday, with operations expected to begin on the Cape Flats.
SANDF and SAPS members line up at the parade, held at 35 Squadron, which formed part of final readiness preparations under Operation Prosper.
Image: Lilita Gcwabe
Mosikili added that the army will support the SAPS in stabilising crime-affected communities.
The operation will target gang violence, extortion, taxi-related conflict, and the proliferation of illegal firearms, with officials emphasising an intelligence-driven approach to dismantle organised crime networks.
"Operation Prosper is grounded in the principle that safety is a shared responsibility," Mosikili said.
Law enforcement officials also made a direct appeal to residents to support and cooperate with deployed forces.
"We request communities to welcome with open arms the members who are here to protect and serve you," an official said. "It is a resolve we have made that our communities must be safe. We don’t plan to fail – we plan to succeed."
Officials said increased visibility and coordination between agencies would be key to restoring stability in affected areas.
The initiative will see SANDF members deployed to support the SAPS in crime prevention efforts, particularly in gang-affected areas such as the Cape Flats.
Image: Lilita Gcwabe
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais signalled provincial support for the intervention.
Among those in attendance was MP Dereleen James, who has previously supported SANDF deployments in high-crime areas, while emphasising the importance of the military working closely with communities to achieve lasting safety outcomes.
Provincial Community Police Forum (CPF) board chairperson Francina Lukas welcomed the intervention but cautioned that it should not be viewed as a long-term solution to deeply rooted crime challenges.
"This deployment of the army must go hand in hand with long-term community-led safety initiatives, because while it is necessary, it is not the only solution," Lukas said.
Acting Western Cape Police Commissioner Major General Bongani Jones also attended the parade, reinforcing the need for strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Authorities said the success of the operation will depend heavily on public support and collaboration as troops begin deploying across the Cape Flats.
Cape Times