The past three months of Operation Prosper indicate reductions in serious and violent crime categories in several identified hotspots in Cape Town. 

This is according to the Western Cape SAPS, which has taken stock of Operation Prosper’s work in the province since its launch.  

1 July will mark three months since the deployment of the South African National Defence Force, alongside other law enforcement agencies, in the Western Cape and other parts of the country, battling high levels of crime.  

“The operation, which focuses on 17 identified policing precincts, brings together the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Traffic Services in a collaborative effort to address serious and violent crime and improve safety in communities,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut.  

Traut said the operation saw more than 1,000 arrests carried out for various offences, including murder, attempted murder, illegal liquor trading, firearm- and drug- related charges. During this time, members also carried out searches of 46,000 people, more than 5,000 vehicles and 3,300 premises; as well as more than 14,000 patrols aimed at increasing visible policing.  

“The operation also led to the confiscation of an array of firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, illicit drugs and illegal alcohol, while enforcement teams closed down 47 unlicensed liquor outlets operating within the targeted areas,” added Traut.  

Despite reductions in some areas, Traut acknowledged that policing efforts continue in areas where crime remains high.  

“Crime trend monitoring and analysis conducted throughout the operation indicate reductions in several categories of serious and violent crime in a number of the identified precincts, although policing efforts continue to be intensified in areas where crime levels remain high.”

He further noted that the operation is an important part of the province’s overall crime-fighting strategy, noting that they will continue to provide resources based on the needs in the identified hotspots.  

“The South African Police Service, together with its law enforcement partners, will continue to refine and strengthen Operation Prosper through sustained deployments, intelligence-led operations and focused interventions aimed at addressing the root causes and drivers of crime while creating safer communities for all residents.”