WC govt raises fresh concerns about effectiveness of SANDF deployment

The Western Cape government has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment as shootings continue to flare up across the province.

The deployment forms part of Operation Prosper, which has seen about 15 suspects arrested so far in April.

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Just on Thursday, officers linked to the operation arrested three suspects after five firearms with extended magazines and ammunition were confiscated, along with a hand grenade, in Delft.

Despite the arrests, Premier Alan Winde said the deployment is not enough to curb gang violence.

"Too many of our communities are still under siege and deployments alone are inadequate. This force multiplier must be really planned well. It must be intelligence-driven. It must be coordinated."

Winde has also called for investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.

"We need convictions that end up in court. These investigations must be thoroughly done, court-ready and evidence-based, and we need to make sure we are lifting the current rates of prosecution."

Western Cape police said the operation is intensifying as more Crime Intelligence is gathered.