This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
July 12, 2019 - Authorities in South Africa have deployed the army to townships in the port city of Cape Town to tackle an upsurge of gang violence.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the soldiers will work alongside the police in an operation to recover illegal firearms and drugs.
The deployment comes after at least 13 people were killed in 24 hours last weekend in one of the violence-hit parts of the city.
Cape Town's gang problem has been ongoing for many decades, with local reports suggesting the recent upsurge in violence is due to a turf war between rival gangs.
Mr Cele said the deployment was part of 'extraordinary' measures to ensure public safety, and that the soldiers would be 'led and commanded' by the police.
The operation aims to 'stamp the authority of the state', with Mr Cele defending the deployment by citing its use during the May elections.
The army's current deployment is for three months and can be renewed, with Mr Cele stating that 'after that, there needs to be sustainability'.
The army was last deployed to tackle Cape Town's gangs in 2017.
