Nearly 300 SANDF members have been deployed to crime-ridden areas in the Eastern Cape as part of Operation Prosper.

Nearly 300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have been deployed to crime-ridden areas in the Eastern Cape as part of Operation Prosper.

This joint initiative with the South African Police Service (SAPS) aims to combat drug networks, illegal firearms, extortion syndicates, and “construction mafias” in targeted communities, with the mission running until March 2027.

The operation was officially inaugurated during a joint parade in Gqeberha on Thursday, attended by key officials and community representatives.

Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata announced the deployment of 290 SANDF members to support SAPS efforts in addressing critical crime challenges in the region.

“Targeted areas include Gelvandale, Chatty, and Kamesh in Nelson Mandela Bay, as well as Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay in the Sarah Baartman District,” said Ncata, adding that SAPS remained the lead agency, with SANDF as a force multiplier, acting strictly within the law and with respect for human rights.

READ | SANDF deployment to begin next week amid MPs’ concerns over readiness, R800m budget

“This mission is about restoring peace and dignity to communities.”

Communities are urged to cooperate with law enforcement and to reject mob attacks.

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