Residents of Westbury, west of Johannesburg, have welcomed the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in their area as authorities intensify efforts to curb gang-related violence.
The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address that 550 soldiers would be sent to crime-plagued communities to assist police in stabilising affected areas.
The operation began in Eldorado Park before moving to Riverlea, Westbury and the Newlands Waterfall complex.
Soldiers, working alongside police, conducted door-to-door searches during the intelligence-driven operation. Two individuals were detained during the searches.
Residents say the presence of the army has brought a sense of relief to communities that have been living in fear due to ongoing gang violence.
“I welcome them [soldiers] problem once they leave it’s back to zero,” said one resident at Newlands
“Maybe the will be less shootings”
Another resident in Westbury said she doesn’t understand why they are parading the streets.
“We wanted them to be deployed here.”
The deployment comes after two people were shot and killed in the area two weeks ago in incidents believed to be linked to ongoing gang wars.
Authorities say the operations will continue as part of efforts to restore law and order in the affected communities.
