South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he will deploy the army to assist law enforcement agencies in their fight against rampant criminal gangs and illegal mining operations. Addressing parliament, he emphasized that gang violence is a critical issue in South Africa, a country notable for having one of the highest murder rates globally. Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society, and our economic development, Ramaphosa remarked during his annual State of the Nation Address. He announced that the South African National Defence Force would be deployed to support police efforts, particularly in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, where gang violence and illegal mining are most prevalent. Ramaphosa noted that children in the Western Cape often find themselves caught in violent gang conflicts, while illegal miners in Gauteng force residents from their homes. Authorities have attributed much of the organized crime to illegal mining, conducted primarily by armed foreign nationals known as "zama zamas." In addition to the military action, Ramaphosa plans to recruit 5,500 police officers and strengthen intelligence capabilities to more effectively target crime syndicates. South Africa's long-standing struggle with organized crime has become a pressing concern, especially as police data indicates an average of 63 murders daily between April and September of the previous year.
South Africa Sends Troops to Combat Gang Violence
South Africa Sends Troops to Combat Gang Violence
In a significant move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the military to aid police in combatting rampant gang violence and illegal mining across the nation, particularly in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of South African National Defence Force troops to assist police in curbing the escalating gang violence and illegal mining activities that threaten public safety. This initiative aims to address organized crime, which Ramaphosa described as the 'most immediate threat' to democracy and economic development. The deployment will begin in areas severely impacted by crime, entailing the recruitment of additional police officers and enhancing intelligence efforts.
