South Africa deploys troops in Johannesburg to tackle organized crime
Soldiers have been deployed in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, following a strategic decision by the government to assist police forces in combating gang violence and illegal mining activities. This military presence was observed for the first…
Soldiers have been deployed in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, following a strategic decision by the government to assist police forces in combating gang violence and illegal mining activities. This military presence was observed for the first time in the suburb of Riverlea.
Official Announcement and Deployment Details
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his annual national address that organized crime poses a significant threat to the country's democracy and economic progress. Consequently, 550 soldiers are to be initially deployed in Gauteng, including Johannesburg, with the operation intended to last until the end of April 2025.
According to reports submitted to Parliament, the government intends to expand military operations across five provinces. The focus will be on addressing illegal mining activities in Gauteng, North West, and Free State provinces, and gang violence in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. Some parts of this national deployment could extend beyond one year.
Soldiers have been deployed in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, following a strategic decision by the government to assist police forces in combating gang violence and illegal mining activities.
South Africa continues to experience high rates of violent crime, with police records indicating 6,351 homicides from October to December 2025. This equates to an average of nearly 70 murders daily in a nation with a population of approximately 62 million.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
