South Africa Mobilizes Troops to Combat Growing Crime

Sat Feb 14 2026 01:25:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces military deployment in response to rising gang violence and illegal mining in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces.

In an urgent move to combat escalating crime rates, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the deployment of military forces across critical regions affected by gang violence and illegal mining. This initiative, highlighted during his State of the Nation Address, aims to reinforce police efforts in restoring safety and security amid rising concerns over organized crime's impact on democracy and economic stability.

South Africa Mobilizes Troops to Combat Growing Crime

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a significant military deployment to assist police forces as gang violence and illegal mining become increasingly rampant in South Africa.

In his annual State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa emphasized that organized crime represents a direct threat to the nation's democracy and economic progress. Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development, he stated.

The military will initially focus its efforts in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, where gang violence and illegal mining activities have surged. These areas, home to the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, have seen heartbreaking impacts on community safety, with children caught in the crossfire of ongoing gang wars.

Ramaphosa expressed grave concerns over the dangers facing residents, saying, 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 Gauteng. He has instructed police and military leaders to develop a deployment plan, aimed at counteracting the threats posed by armed, undocumented miners often connected to broader organized crime syndicates.

Last month, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia admitted that current police capabilities were insufficient to tackle these deadly gangs. In response, Ramaphosa's administration will not only deploy military support but also recruit an additional 5,500 police officers and enhance intelligence operations to target crime syndicates.

Statistics reveal that an alarming average of 63 murders occurred daily from April to September last year, illustrating the severe crime crisis facing South Africa—Africa's most industrialized nation.

As these security measures unfold, the government is hopeful to restore peace and stability in the affected communities, underlining that effective governance is crucial in the fight against organized crime.