CAPE TOWN - "Our communities are fearful," says Mitchells Plain United Residents Association's Michael Jacobs.
"The army has been deployed, but they are not really here because they are not making a dent in the crime situation," he says.
Children continue to be collateral for the ongoing gang violence in many communities.
Jacobs admits drugs and guns are confiscated and arrests are made sporadically, but none of this is anywhere near people’s expectations.
Over the last week, at least 12 teenagers were shot dead, including this past Friday. Several children under the age of 18 were injured. This has left people hopeless about government interventions.
A 19-year-old man was shot dead and three other people wounded in Kewtown, Athlone on Friday. Meanwhile, children between the ages of 11 and 14 were injured.
In Westridge, Mitchells Plain, a 16-year-old boy was gunned down at his grandparents' house, also on Friday, after two men made their way upstairs.
The effectiveness of Operation Prosper continues to be questioned.