South Africa Deploys Troops to Combat Gang Violence

Sat Feb 14 2026 01:11:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to soaring gang violence and illegal mining, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announces the deployment of the military to assist police forces in affected regions.

Facing one of the world's highest murder rates and a significant crime crisis, South Africa's President Ramaphosa has committed to deploying troops to combat rampant gang violence and organized crime. The military will initially be sent to the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, which are most affected by these issues. Ramaphosa's pledge reflects a broader strategy to enhance security forces amid concerns over the impact of illegal mining and organized crime on communities.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a decision to deploy the military to assist police efforts in combating criminal gangs and illegal mining within the country.

Gang violence presents a significant challenge in South Africa, known for its alarmingly high murder rates. In a recent address, Ramaphosa declared, Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development. He emphasized the urgency of measures to address the growing instability.

The deployment of the South African National Defence Force will begin in the hard-hit areas of Western Cape and Gauteng, where violent crime rates have surged. Ramaphosa highlighted the dire consequences for vulnerable children caught in the crossfire of gang-related violence and the impact of illegal miners driving residents from their communities.

Authorities attribute much of the crime to illegal miners, known as zama zamas, who are often heavily armed and involved in organized crime syndicates.

In addition to the military deployment, Ramaphosa outlined a series of anti-crime initiatives, including the recruitment of 5,500 new police officers, the fortification of intelligence operations, and strengthened efforts targeting crime syndicates.

Statistics indicate an average of 63 individuals were murdered each day between April and September last year, showcasing the extent of South Africa's crime crisis. The government's multi-faceted approach aims to restore safety and security to the country’s increasingly troubled regions.