Soldiers hit the streets of Mitchells Plain a day after a shooting

A resident of Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, looks on as the army moves through his street. Photos: Ashraf Hendricks

“Has it really come to this that we need the army?” asked a woman standing in her driveway as members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) passed her house in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, on Wednesday morning.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 2,200 soldiers would be deployed to serve alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, and North West.

The deployment is estimated to cost R823-million and is expected to last until 31 March 2027.

Children follow a soldier deployed in Beacon Valley.

After a briefing in Rocklands on Wednesday morning, soldiers and SAPS officers moved through the neighbourhood, searching specific houses for firearms. Some residents questioned why their homes were being searched.

Many residents of Beacon Valley, an area riddled with gang violence, welcomed the army’s deployment.

Clive van Wyk, who has lived there for 25 years, remembered the previous deployment of soldiers to the Cape Flats in 2019. “It’s a good idea to bring the army in here. At least now people can feel a bit safe in the area,” he said.

An armoured vehicle takes soldiers through the streets of Mitchells Plain.

Video: Ashraf Hendricks

“It all depends on how long the army will get involved and stay here. Once they move out, then [crime will continue] all over again,” he said.

Charlotte Kemp said she was relieved to see the army in her area. “It’s good, they must be here. Yesterday [the gangsters] were shooting,” she said.

Razeen Galant said children could play outside now that the army was there but said he was scared about what would happen when the army leaves.

“They must be visible every day. Then you won’t get crime anymore,” he said.

A family watches the army from their driveway.

During morning briefing, deputy provincial police commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi said after the army and police search homes, they should “go and greet the community”.

“Make sure that we build good relationships with our communities as we go around,” he said.

“Our behaviour will determine the response of our community. We must greet our communities with humility and respect,” he said. “Criminals must feel that we are here.”

Before the deployment began, members of parliament raised concerns, including how the command structure would work and how the success of the operation would be measured.

A dog barks at a soldier.

Soldiers gather for a briefing in Rocklands on Wednesday morning.

Children interact with SANDF soldiers.

A child watches as soldiers move from house to house.

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