CAPE TOWN - Communities in the Western Cape are holding their breath as the army rolls into the Cape Flats.
They're hoping this time the boots on the ground will finally break the grip of gang violence.
Of 500 youngsters killed in the last five years, more than a third died in gang-related violence.
But one Mitchells Plain police officer isn’t waiting for reinforcements.
Constable Sinovuyo Seti runs after-school programmes, giving young people a reason to stay off the streets, and maybe even something to smile about.
By day, Seti works at the Mitchells Plain police station.
After hours, he transforms into a community activist.
What started as a solo effort of physical exercises has grown into a daily ritual shared by young and old in his neighbourhood.
The group consists of 50 people, the youngest being only one year old.
Parents who have since joined in the exercises believe the initiative could not have come at a better time, as small children are vulnerable to crime.
Joining is free. Classes run after school from Monday to Friday, covering a range of activities, including public speaking skills.
- eNCA's Nobesuthu Hejana reports.