Some residents of Coronationville believe opposition to the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is being driven by parents trying to protect children involved in gang activity.
At the BK Reid flats, several parents said gangs are being formed by teenagers, with some members reportedly as young as nine years old.
While the military presence has drawn mixed reactions, many residents have welcomed the soldiers and said they hope arrests will follow.
Coronationville Parents Say Children Are Being Drawn Into Gangs At Young Ages
One woman told Eyewitness News that her grandson was pressured into joining a gang after he was expelled from school for bad behaviour.
“People know their children are naughty, but me, on my own, I am very happy. I hope they come back very soon, and they must stay here until we have peace.”
Residents at the flats said gang activity has become deeply rooted in the community, with young children increasingly being recruited.
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Another resident, Hoyd Lepere, said law enforcement has failed to curb crime in the area, prompting support for the SANDF deployment.
“People are being robbed early in the morning and in the evenings. Here at BK Reid, the place has been vandalised and has even become a dumping site.”
Residents say they hope the soldiers’ presence will help restore order and improve safety in one of Johannesburg’s most troubled neighbourhoods.
