News|CrimeSouth Africa’s Ramaphosa says troops will deploy to tackle crime gangsPresident Cyril Ramaphosa says the military will work with the country’s police force to counter ‘gang wars’ that threaten ‘our democracy’.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the army to support police efforts in addressing gang violence and related crimes. This measure aims to mitigate high crime rates in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, focusing on gang-related activities and illegal mining operations.

On Thu, the president instructed the chiefs of police and the army to formulate a deployment plan. The goal is to utilize security forces effectively in the Western Cape and Gauteng to combat organized crime.

South Africa experiences a notably high homicide rate, with approximately 60 deaths daily linked to drug gang wars and mass shootings associated with illegal mining activities. This situation poses a significant threat to societal stability and economic development.

Recruitment of 5,500 new police officers. Enhancement of intelligence operations. Identification and targeting of priority crime syndicates.

The illegal mining sector, particularly in abandoned gold mines, remains a challenge. Often, "zama zamas" or "hustlers," who are armed and undocumented foreign nationals, are involved. In 2024, illegal mining activities resulted in a loss of over $3 billion in gold.

President Ramaphosa addressed water shortages, linking them to systemic failures in local government. He emphasized accountability, with plans to pursue criminal charges against municipal officials failing to deliver essential services. The water crisis is exacerbated by climate change and infrastructure maintenance failures.

President Ramaphosa's administration, the first coalition government since 2024, includes the Democratic Alliance. Despite economic recovery efforts, persistent unemployment and service delivery challenges continue to pressure the government.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.