Residents of Westbury in Johannesburg have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to assist police in tackling escalating gang violence.
The announcement was made during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), where Ramaphosa said the police and the SANDF must urgently develop a technical plan to confront gang-related crime. He added that the military deployment would also support efforts to combat illegal mining.
Westbury has been plagued by recurring gang shootings, prompting renewed calls for stronger intervention. Community leader Jefferson Johnson described the move as long overdue, saying crime in the area is rooted within the community itself and requires honest engagement from families, particularly parents, to address youth involvement in gangs.
Residents hope the combined presence of police and the military will help restore safety and stability in the troubled suburb.