South African lawmakers question effectiveness of army deployment against gang Violence

News South African lawmakers question effectiveness of army deployment against gang Violence Agencies   -   Copyright © africanews AP Photo By Agencies Last updated: 14/08 - 20:13 World News Five months after South Africa deployed soldiers to help combat gang violence in and around Cape Town, lawmakers say the operation has failed to improve security. Members of Parliament who visited affected communities this week said gang-related killings have continued despite the presence of the South African National Defence Force under Operation Prosper, a mission that has cost more than 823 million rand, or nearly 51 million U.S. dollars. Ian Cameron, Chairperson, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police: "We need to be honest. We didn't see a decrease in gang violence since the operation started. In fact, in some parts we saw an increase. Two weeks ago around the metro, I think there were just over a hundred murders." Lawmakers also raised concerns about the military's ability to carry out the mission, citing poor equipment and logistical problems. Dereleen James, Member of Parliament: "SANDF members told us the vehicles they were driving would get stuck. They said they don't even have medication. This is not me saying it—I recorded these members saying that this operation was a complete failure." The government deployed troops earlier this year to support police in five provinces battling organized crime, gang violence and illegal mining. Officials have maintained that the military deployment is intended to support—not replace—long-term policing efforts, but lawmakers say urgent changes are needed if the operation is to have any meaningful impact. You may also like 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 6 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 28 minutes ago 00:56 Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago Share More About World News gang delinquency Violence Cyril Ramaphosa You may also like 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 6 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 28 minutes ago 00:56 Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago On the same subject NEWS 01:30 UN calls on Haitian authorities to do more to protect civilians 29/08 - 10:38 NEWS 00:58 Near-total lunar eclipse as moon passes through Earth's shadow 28/08 - 11:55 NEWS 01:23 Police in Ceuta clash with anti-migrant protesters as tensions rise 28/08 - 08:45 NEWS 01:33 SA court postpones extradition hearing of UK man charged with murdering family 28/08 - 07:28 NEWS 00:41 Qatar’s foreign minister visits Tehran as efforts to ease Iran-U.S. crisis continue 27/08 - 18:21 NEWS 01:00 Rescuers search for survivors follow catastrophic flash floods in Nepal 27/08 - 16:21 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago