Image Source: SABC News
Local – It will only take two weeks for the South African National Defence Force to join police operations targeting gang violence and illegal mining in Gauteng and the Western Cape, according to Deputy Defence Minister General Bantu Holomisa.
The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen law enforcement in the country’s most crime-affected provinces.
Holomisa said operational preparations are underway, with only parliamentary approval needed before deployment begins. Once Parliament gives the go-ahead, troops will work alongside the South African Police Service.
“What we are expecting now is word from Parliament on how to proceed. Once that is received, we will move in. Within two weeks, we will be deploying troops to work with the police and ensure that the President’s directive is carried out,” he said.
The Deputy Minister called on communities to support the deployment of SANDF members and to respect their mandate in high-risk areas. He warned against hostility toward soldiers on duty.
“No one should point a gun at our soldiers. They will be there to do a job in support of law enforcement,” he said.
The deployment is part of government efforts to stabilise affected communities and strengthen law enforcement in crime hotspots.
Tactical Plan in Final Stages
The President has instructed the Ministers of Police and Defence to finalise a tactical deployment plan identifying priority areas for security forces. Parliament will be briefed on timing, locations and costs before troops are mobilised.
President Ramaphosa said enforcement action must be accompanied by a wider approach to crime reduction that tackles social factors.
“We have to act to rid our country of gang violence. At the same time, we are implementing an integrated strategy to address the root causes of crime through coordinated interventions across society, from street lighting to access to social services,” the President said.
