Community leaders across the Cape Flats are asking why Police Minister Bheki Cele decided to deploy the army now.
On Thursday, Police Minister Bheki Cele finally heeded the calls of desperate Cape Flats residents and announced that the army will be deployed to some of the province's most gang-ridden communities.
The violent hotspots include Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Harare, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Kraaifontein, Mitchells Plain, Bishop Lavis, Delft, Elsies River and Nyanga.
Cele said this was part of "extraordinary" measures to be implemented following a bloody weekend in the Mother City's townships where at least 13 people were killed in two separate shootings in Philippi East last weekend.
While the news was a welcome relief to some, other residents have questioned why it has taken this long to bring the army to the streets of Cape Town.
Community policing forum structures, neighbourhood watch and community leaders say they want to know why the army is being deployed now when mense have been calling for action for years.
Hanover Park community activist, Gigi Richards, says: “I don’t want the army here, what are they doing here?
“And if the police does go with the army, then the police will tell them do not go into that house and this one (corrupt cops).
“The duty is of the community and people need to work together.”
Lavender Hill community activist, Clive Jacobs, says it's too late because of the massive body count: “Bringing in the army now is a bit late, because of the (murders) and all the people we lost.
“We called for the army years ago.
“They are trained to deal with warriors and not us civilians who will also be affected.”
Lavender Hill community activist, Clive Jacobs. Video supplied
In Town Centre, Mitchells Plain, Kulsum Baker has been fighting crime for over 35 years.
“I have been fighting crime for 35 years, I have heard about the army coming, but our children are dying and no one (cares).
“They said the army is coming, but what must we say, we must see them. Where are they?"
Mitchells Plain crime fighter, Kulsum Baker. Video: Genevieve Serra
At this stage, it’s not yet clear when the army will move into the affected communities.
But on Friday, a high contingent of police officers met with Cele and other high-ranking officials.
They hit the streets in Philippi-East, carrying out searches.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says it's clear that cops have lost control over the crime situation on the Flats.
“Last weekend alone, 55 deaths by gunshot or stabbing by a sharp object were recorded in the province, with 33 of these in the Metro West region. It is my hope that the SANDF employment over the period ahead... will see a major reduction in these numbers," he said
Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, welcomes the army: “I am pleased after fighting this fight for two years to have the army deployed here to Bonteheuwel, so this is a win for the people here."
Ward councillor, Angus Mckenzie. [email protected]