JOHANNEBURG - Beds lifted, couches turned over and cupboards flung open.
These were the scenes that played out on Wednesday as armed soldiers of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) moved through homes in Westbury, west of Johannesburg.
The members were embarking on a in a large-scale raid. Outside, residents gathered as the soldiers moved from door-to-door.
“Go door-to-door and find the guns’ one resident shouted.
The operation forms part of a broader crackdown after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the SANDF would be deployed to crime-ridden areas in Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape under “Operation Prosper”.
READ | Two people arrested in Westbury army raids
A 65-year-old man who has lived in Westbury all his life blamed unemployment as a contributing factor to youngsters being lured into criminality.
He welcomed the army deployment and hoped that it will not be a temporary measure.
“They must be consistent. There is no use bringing them here for a short time and then they leave. We need them especially in the weekends,” he said.
While some residents welcomed the deployment, there were those who were frustrated.
Among those was a man who identified himself a Willow.
He claimed his house has been targeted by authorities who constantly raid it.
READ | SANDF soldiers arrive in Eldorado Park
He said in the last month there was three raids and, in all instances, authorities were looking for guns.
“This is harassment. They say they are looking for guns and drugs but every time when they come here, they find nothing. [ These authorities] need to get their facts straight,” he said.
In one house, SANDF members entered a house where children were seated with their father almost as shocked as they witnessed the action.
In another house, dagga in a glass container was found.
The operation began in Eldorado Park before spreading to areas like Westbury and Sophiatown where similar scenes were witnessed.