President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police operations against illegal mining and entrenched gang violence.
Speaking during his annual State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa warned that organised crime has become “the most immediate threat to our democracy,” citing its impact on economic stability and public safety, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
He said criminal syndicates are tightening their grip in affected communities, with children caught in gang crossfire in the Western Cape and residents displaced by illegal mining activities in Gauteng.
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime. Authorities report that the country recorded an average of approximately 63 homicides per day in 2025, with firearms, many of them illegal, remaining the most commonly used weapons.
Illegal mining remains a major security and economic concern. Thousands of abandoned mines, particularly in the country’s historic gold belt, have become hotspots for illicit activity. Officials estimate there are around 6,000 closed or deserted mines nationwide.
Groups commonly referred to as “zama zamas”, a Zulu term meaning “hustlers”, are often described by authorities as heavily armed and linked to organised criminal networks. The government estimates that illegal gold mining alone cost the economy more than US$3 billion in 2024.
Ramaphosa said the SANDF deployment will reinforce police operations and enhance coordination between security agencies. He also directed the Minister of Police to develop a detailed operational plan outlining how military and law enforcement personnel will collaborate.
In addition to troop deployment, the government plans to recruit 5,500 additional police officers and expand the use of advanced surveillance and intelligence systems to disrupt criminal networks.
The move comes amid broader concerns about corruption and alleged infiltration of the justice system by organised crime groups. A commission of inquiry established in September 2025 is currently investigating claims of abuse of authority and corruption within law enforcement structures.
The coming weeks are expected to clarify the scope and duration of the military’s role, as authorities attempt to stabilise communities and restore public confidence in state security institutions.
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