The Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, says the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has indicated that SANDF members could be deployed in the province by 1 April 2026.

She says this development brings much-needed clarity on the deployment timelines.

Marais has emphasised that while increased visibility of law enforcement is important in stabilising communities, this deployment must go far beyond a show of force.

“This intervention must be collaborative, intelligence-led, data-driven, and operationally focused. We need coordinated plans that will actively dismantle criminal networks, gangs, and extortion groups that continue to terrorise our communities. Equally as important is the need to include all local law enforcement structures to ensure a fully coordinated approach to break the back of organised crime and gangs.”

Marais has further called on SAPS to fully utilise this opportunity to ensure that operations lead not only to arrests but also to successful prosecutions.

“We must ensure that those responsible for violence, extortion, and organised crime are removed from our communities permanently through effective investigation and prosecution,” she added.

Minister Marais also urged residents across the Western Cape to play an active role in supporting law enforcement efforts.

“Our communities are critical partners in the fight against crime. We urge residents to come forward with information. To report where illegal firearms are being hidden, identify those responsible for shootings, and point out drug and gang houses, and other criminal activities. This information is vital in ensuring that operations target the root of criminal networks.”

During a Western Cape Cabinet meeting last Wednesday, 11 March, Premier Alan Winde
received a briefing from senior SAPS management on the plans to deploy the SANDF.

Winde says they were informed that the deployment will be focused on numerous high-crime policing precincts across the Western Cape, which together account for approximately 55% of violent crime in the province.

He says the SANDF will act as a force multiplier in support of SAPS operations and stressed that this intervention must be implemented through strong coordination with all relevant role players.

Winde says the Western Cape Government stands ready to support the operation wherever possible, including providing resources in the form of LEAP officers, K9 units, technology-enabled policing tools, and the deployment of provincial traffic services to assist with stabilisation efforts.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the Metro Police also stand ready to help SAPS and the SANDF.