Africa-Press. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 2,200 members of the National Defence Force to help combat crime.
Ramaphosa said the deployment aims to prevent and fight crime, as well as support and maintain security and public order by targeting illegal mining operations and criminal gangs.
The deployed National Defence Force members will assist the South African Police Service in five provinces: the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West, and the Western Cape.
The deployment is estimated to cost 823 million rand (about $49 million). It will run from March 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
