The office of the Provincial Police Commissioner has confirmed that preparations are underway for the much-anticipated deployment of the SANDF to crime and gang hotspots in Cape Town.

According to information received by the provincial government, the deployment could commence from 1 April 2026.

The Western Cape SAPS has not confirmed this date, but said a select group of SAPS officials with SANDF members are currently conducting an operational scanning exercise at various locations. The exercises took place on Wednesday (18 March) and will again occur today (Thursday 19 March).

The exercises comprise air and ground presence, with SAPS stressing that this should not be confused with the actual deployment of the army.

In a statement, Brigadier Novela Potelwa said:

“The operational exercise currently underway is essential preparation for the integrated forces ahead of the actual deployment. Members of the public are urged to respect the operational space these forces require and refrain from speculating about their presence in the targeted areas.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026 that 2,200 SANDF members would be deployed to support the SAPS to deal with gang violence and illicit mining at identified crime hotspots.

Communities on the Cape Flats have been plagued by gun and gang violence in the last few weeks, with dozens of fatal shootings in several areas.