More than 2,000 SANDF troops are deployed to five provinces to help police tackle gang violence and illegal mining.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally deployed more than 2,000 South African National Defense Force (SANDF) members to tackle crime in five provinces with a budget of R823 million to strengthen law and order.
The President has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision. It will deploy 2,200 soldiers to serve in support of the South African Police Service (SAPs).
This is in accordance with section 201(3)(a), (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution of South Africa.
2 200 SANDF troops deployed
Ramaphosa had announced the deployment of the army during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month. The deployment targets areas affected by illegal mining and gang violence.
The deployed members will assist the police in preventing and combating zama-zama and gangsterism. The operations will take place in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.
The President said that the period of deployment is from 1 March 2027 to 31 March 2027.
Also read: How successful has the SANDF deployment been in the first week?
Boots on the ground debuted this week. Gauteng and Limpopo were the first regions to see soldiers on the streets. The SANDF was in Westbury, Riverlea and Eldorado Park.
According to section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution, only the President, “as Head of the National Executive, may authorize the employment of the Defense Force in co-operation with the Police Service”.
R823 million budget
Ramaphosa said the deployment would be estimated to cost R823 153 960.
“President Ramaphosa calls on communities to welcome and work closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defense Force to identify and isolate criminal elements and make neighborhoods safer in the process,” the President said.
During an oral reply session in Parliament on Thursday, he described the deployment as a “force multiplier”. He said this will bring stability to communities.
“SAPS members can also help secure critical infrastructure, allowing SAPS members to focus on investigations, arrests and successful prosecutions,” Ramaphosa said.
Read now: Soldiers move into Johannesburg crime hotspot (view)
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