GQEBERHA, Eastern Cape — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) began deployment to crime hotspots across the Sarah Baartman District on Friday, with nearly 300 troops joining police operations under Operation Prosper. The initiative focuses on the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Kouga Local Municipality, targeting drug networks, illegal firearms, and extortion syndicates, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains the lead agency.
The troops assembled at the Schauderville 10111 call centre in Gqeberha for a parade starting at 6:00 a.m. before moving into targeted areas. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, the primary focus is on the northern areas, including Gelvandale, Bloemendal, Katanga and Helenvale which have long been plagued by high levels of gun violence, gang-related violence, and insurance killings. Additional hotspots in the metro include Chatty (Chetty) and Kariega. In the Kouga Local Municipality, operations will cover Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, the newly appointed police commissioner, has highlighted these northern areas as key priorities. Residents in these communities have described living in war zones and have called for military support for years. The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier announcement of SANDF assistance to problematic areas, with Nelson Mandela Bay now included after local pressure.
The operation is scheduled to run from April 3, 2026, until March 31, 2027, providing a full year of support. Officials noted that the delay in deployment allowed time for proper training of SANDF members to interact appropriately with civilians, addressing past concerns from operations during the COVID-19 period where aggressive behaviour was reported.
Community members in the affected areas expressed relief as the soldiers arrived, viewing the deployment as a positive step toward restoring safety in gang-infested zones. Many have welcomed the presence of troops to help reclaim streets from criminal elements. The joint operation is also expected to enable municipal workers to access these areas more safely, addressing long-standing backlogs in service delivery caused by the unsafe conditions.
Concerns remain about coordination between the SANDF and SAPS, as well as the readiness and training of the troops for community policing roles. However, authorities emphasised that SANDF will act as a force multiplier under SAPS leadership, operating strictly within the law and with respect for human rights.
The deployment forms part of a broader national effort to combat organised crime in high-priority hotspots. As operations unfold, attention will be on how effectively the joint forces disrupt violent crime and whether sustained presence brings lasting relief to residents who have endured years of gang dominance.