CAPE TOWN – At least 11 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members were deployed at Khayelitsha Police Station on Thursday, 2 April, to strengthen security in the area.
According to officials at the station, the soldiers are expected to operate in the area until next year.
The soldiers were welcomed by Khayelitsha Vispol head, Colonel Mkhululi Tumana, who said they would work together as a unified team.
“We are welcoming our soldiers into our team today. They are part of an integrated team which includes LEAP officers and police members. Their arrival has been long overdue. We will start patrolling today (Thursday, 2 April). From the station, our first stop is the Taiwan informal settlement in Site C,” said Tumana.
He added that a safety plan is already in place and will be implemented immediately. Tumana identified Site C, Japhta Masemola Road and Qanduqandu informal settlement as some of the hotspot areas within their policing precinct.
“We have a problem with murder, carjacking, extortion, illegal shebeens and gender-based violence in our area. We believe that alcohol plays a role in many of these cases. Most of the shebeens are operating after hours,” he said, adding that they aim to clamp down on criminal activity.
Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF) public relations officer Mzolisi Malungisa welcomed the deployment, saying it brings hope to the community.
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“We are happy to see the soldiers in our area. They are here to enforce peace. Khayelitsha is one of the volatile areas, and we are hoping for the best. The soldiers arrived at the right time during Good Friday, when many people are attending church services,” said Malungisa.
Community member Lutho Mafaya, from France informal settlement in Site B, said he hopes the soldiers can remain in the area permanently.
“Extortion is a big problem here in Khayelitsha. If the soldiers can arrest those involved, it would make a big difference. I wouldn’t mind if they permanently remove extortionists from our community,” said Mafaya.
He added that he believes the soldiers’ presence will help restore order in the area.
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