South Africa’s army — the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) — is continuing patrols in parts of Cape Town as part of joint operations with police to curb gang violence and improve safety in communities affected by shootings and criminal activity.
Soldiers have been deployed to assist the South African Police Service in areas hit hardest by gang conflicts, especially in the Western Cape. The patrols include foot patrols, vehicle checkpoints and support for targeted search operations at hotspots identified by law enforcement.
Officials say the operation is meant to support police efforts but not replace them. Army personnel are working under police command structures for civilian operations, focusing on visible presence, access control and helping secure areas where gang clashes have displaced residents or disrupted daily life.
Local community leaders have reported that residents are seeking both reassurance and quick results on safety. Some say the troop presence has eased immediate fears, while others emphasise that long-term peace will require sustained social and economic measures alongside security operations.
Police reports show that gang-related shootings and turf disputes have been particularly intense in certain townships, prompting the government’s decision to widen security efforts. Patrols have been most visible in neighbourhoods where shootings have occurred frequently and where residents raised safety concerns.
Human rights groups have stated that any military support must be closely monitored to ensure civilian rights are upheld. The government has reiterated that troops are in a backing role, assisting trained police officers in specific tasks rather than undertaking independent security enforcement.
The SANDF’s continued presence reflects the government’s intention to maintain pressure on organised crime networks while trying to reduce violence that has affected local businesses, schools and community movement.
Police and defence officials say further updates will be provided as operations progress and as evaluations on effectiveness and community impact are carried out.