In response to escalating gang violence in Cape Town, the South African government has announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police operations. Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile confirmed that discussions regarding the number of troops and their deployment timeline are ongoing, with the military focusing on areas identified as high-risk. This intervention comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement during his State of the Nation Address, where he highlighted the challenge posed by criminal networks in the region.

While the deployment of the military has been welcomed by local law enforcement, Commissioner Patekile cautioned that this should not be seen as a permanent solution to the persistent issue of gang violence. Emphasizing the need for sustainable strategies, he stated that adequate measures must be taken post-stabilization to maintain reductions in crime rates. This reflects a broader understanding that military intervention may provide temporary relief but does not address the root causes of criminal behavior in communities.

Furthermore, community advocates, including the Cape Flats Safety Forum, have called for the military to adopt a supportive role rather than leading operations against organized crime. They argue that the Police Anti-Gang Unit should maintain command to ensure targeted and effective action against gang activities. This partnership approach could enhance the efficacy of interventions and foster community trust in law enforcement agencies, ultimately contributing to long-term crime reduction strategies.