The wait is finally over, the army has landed.
Mandela Day ended on a high note for Cape Town residents living in some of the province's most gang-riddled areas.
Manenberg residents got a welcome surprise on Thursday as army nyalas suddenly filled their streets.
It’s been a week since Police Minister, Bheki Cele announced that the SANDF would be deployed to the Cape Flats, and now residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Manenberg residents got a welcome surprise on Thursday afternoon as army nyalas suddenly filled their streets. Picture Monique Duval
On Thursday afternoon mense dropped what they were doing to see the troops bring law and order to their community.
Mother of two, Esmeralda Lombard, 38, says she hopes the army will be able to achieve what police could not.
Esmeralda Lombard, 38. Video: Monique Duval
After Manenberg, the troops moved to Hanover Park and is likely to move into other parts of Cape Town.
The soldiers have been deployed to assist cops with the gang violence that has gripped communities such as Manenberg, Bonteheuwel and Hanover Park, among others.
After the brutal killing of 13 people in Philippi East two weeks ago, Cele promised residents they “will see a change”.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the deployment of the army to the Cape Flats, saying members will be deployed to restore law and order.
"The SANDF members will be deployed to support the police to restore law and order."
Read Friday's Daily Voice for more details.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za
*story has been updated
