South Africa to deploy troops to tackle crime gangs

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to assist police in combating rising crime. The military will initially focus on the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, addressing gang violence in Cape Town and illegal mining in Johannesburg, respectively. This decision comes as organized crime is considered a major threat to South Africa's democracy and economy. The deployment aims to protect citizens caught in the crossfire of gang wars and displacement caused by illegal miners. In addition to military support, the government plans to recruit more police officers, strengthen intelligence, and target criminal syndicates to combat the country's high crime rate.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on February 13, 2026, that he will deploy the military to support police in combating high levels of crime. The deployment aims to address gang violence in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng province. This decision comes in response to rising homicide rates and the threat organized crime poses to South Africa's democracy and economy. The government also plans to recruit more police officers, improve intelligence gathering, and target priority crime syndicates. The goal is to reduce crime's impact on lives, businesses, and the overall sense of security in the country.