Ramaphosa deploys SANDF to tackle gang violence, illegal mining in Gauteng and Western Cape

By Levy Masiteng

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police in cracking down on organised crime, gang violence, and illegal mining in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Ramaphosa made the announcement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Thursday, describing organised crime as the most immediate threat to South Africa’s democracy, society and economic development.

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“A stronger South Africa must be safe and secure,” he said.

“The cost of crime is measured in lives lost and futures cut short. It is felt in the fear that permeates our society and in the reluctance of businesses to invest.”

The Western Cape continues to grapple with deadly gang violence, with children caught in the crossfire of turf wars. In Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, illegal mining has escalated, leading to violent clashes among zama zamas and displacing residents.

“Children here in the Western Cape are caught in the crossfire of gang wars. People are chased out of their homes by illegal miners in Kagiso in Gauteng. Women are murdered by their partners in their homes. Building sites are shut down by criminals,” Ramaphosa said.

“This must and will change.”

He said he had directed the Minister of Police and the SANDF to develop a tactical deployment plan within days for targeted areas in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

In line with constitutional requirements, Ramaphosa will inform the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of the timing, location and costs of the deployment.

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“To strengthen our fight against gang violence, I am deploying the South African National Defence Force to support the police, as we did to great effect with illegal mining,” he said.

Beyond enforcement, Ramaphosa said government was implementing an integrated strategy to address the root causes of crime through coordinated interventions, including improved street lighting and expanded access to social services.

Government will also tighten firearm controls.

“We are going to tackle gun crime by streamlining legislation and regulations on licensing, possession and trade in firearms and ammunition. We will increase enforcement of existing gun laws,” he said.

To boost visible policing, Ramaphosa announced the recruitment of 5,500 additional police officers this year, adding to the 20,000 officers announced in previous State of the Nation Addresses.

“We have to act to rid our country of gang violence,” he said.

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