Metro NewsMarch 12, 2026

SANDF & SAPS launch high-impact raids across southern Johannesburg

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Police have praised Wednesday’s surprise raids carried out by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and South African Police Service (SAPS) members across the south of Johannesburg.The deployment is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plan, announced during his State of the Nation Address, to intensify the fight against crime.

Armoured vehicles moved through several communities as soldiers searched properties for contraband and illegal firearms.

Residents in Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Westbury, and Sophiatown have welcomed the operation, with many saying the intervention is long overdue.

Dozens of SANDF soldiers are moving through Westbury in armoured vehicles on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, searching properties for contraband and illegal firearms. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN

Several people were arrested during the day’s raids, while an undisclosed amount of contraband was also seized.Briefing the media on Wednesday evening, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said community support will be critical in sustaining the crackdown.

“And we are not expecting any resistance from the communities, because the communities have been crying for years for the president to intervene, to assist them in reducing crime in the area, to stopping the gang violence, and to stopping illicit mining activities.”

The joint SANDF and SAPS operation is expected to continue until the 30th of April.