Ramaphosa defends SANDF deployment to crime-hit areas

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the accelerated deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), saying the soldiers will work alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a coordinated effort to combat crime.

The president addressed the issue during Parliament’s Question-and-Answer session on Thursday, after confusion among some residents about the role of troops deployed in parts of Gauteng.

The first group of about 550 SANDF members was deployed on Wednesday to areas including Eldorado Park, Riverlea and Westbury as part of Operation Prosper – an intervention Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address on 12 February.

“The SANDF deployment is necessary to complement the efforts of the SAPS in tackling these crimes and bringing stability to our communities. The army will be deployed in support of the police, operating under police command, with clear rules of engagement and for specific time limited objectives,” Ramaphosa said.

The President explained that the operation targets organised crime and illegal mining across several provinces, including Gauteng, the Western Cape, North West and the Eastern Cape.

Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, confirmed that SAPS will lead the crime-fighting operations, with regular coordination between the police and the military.

Ramaphosa stressed that the involvement of the army does not signal a failure by police, but rather reflects the need for additional capacity is needed in high-risk areas.

The deployment has sparked mixed reactions online, with some residents welcoming the move as a stronger response to crime, while others have questioned its long-term effectiveness and raised concerns about possible corruption.

Drugs & gansterism will drastically come down in this area. Kudos to our president.

— Vutisani Tshabalala (@VutisaniT) March 11, 2026

If SANDF soldiers are accused of corruption and stealing defence force funds what is stopping the ordinary soldier from accepting bribes from criminals. This is just a waste of time

— Nyambose (@Bracken_132) March 11, 2026

Written by: Realeboga Nke