South Africa has begun deploying soldiers to assist police in tackling gang violence and illegal mining, with troops appearing on the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday. The first major deployment was seen in the suburb of Riverlea, an area that has been heavily affected by violent clashes linked to illegal mining operations. The operation follows an announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his annual State of the Nation Address, in which he described organized crime as one of the greatest threats to the country’s democracy and economic stability.
According to a notice sent by Ramaphosa to Parliament, about 550 soldiers will initially be deployed in the province of Gauteng, which includes Johannesburg and the capital Pretoria. The initial deployment is expected to run until the end of April, although broader operations could continue for much longer. Authorities say the operation will eventually expand to five of South Africa’s nine provinces. Efforts will focus on illegal mining activities in North West Province and Free State, while troops will also assist police in addressing gang-related violence in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Illegal mining, often linked to organised crime groups and heavily armed gangs, has become a growing security concern in several mining regions. Communities near abandoned or inactive mines have experienced violent clashes, extortion and environmental damage caused by illicit operations. South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime. Police statistics show 6,351 homicides were recorded between October and December 2025, an average of nearly 70 killings per day in a country of about 62 million people. Government officials say the deployment of soldiers is intended to strengthen law enforcement capacity, protect communities and disrupt organised criminal networks operating across the country.
