South African Army Supports Police Against Gangs, Illegal Mining
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced earlier this year that 2,200 troops would be sent to five of the nation’s nine provinces most affected by criminal activity. Authorities say the year-long deployment is designed to restore order in crime-ridden areas, though critics caution that military involvement in civilian policing rarely produces lasting results.
Gang violence and illicit mining are significant challenges in South Africa, which continues to report one of the world’s highest homicide rates. According to the latest statistics for October–December 2025, about 71 people were killed each day.
The initial group of soldiers was sent to several parts of Gauteng province, including Johannesburg, in March. A larger contingent is scheduled to begin operations on 1 April in the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, and Western Cape provinces, remaining in place for a year.
Residents of Eldorado Park, a Johannesburg suburb included in the first phase of deployment due to high gang activity, told a news outlet that the presence of soldiers has been noticeable in their community.
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