Why South Africa is sending soldiers to cities

"Scenes like this have become common in South Africa. Estimates suggest that around 64 people are killed across the country daily. Figures from the online database Numbeo show how widespread the issue is. Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth rank as the five most dangerous cities in the country."

"It has often been linked to the fact that we are among the most unequal societies in the world in terms of wealth distribution, alongside high levels of poverty, and corrupt policing. In February, speaking about 30 kilometers from the Cape Flats, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to take tougher action against organized crime, including deploying the military."

"The army deployment began on Wednesday. The presidency announced that 550 soldiers would be sent to Gauteng province to combat illegal mining. Residents also observed soldiers on the streets of Johannesburg, the country's biggest city. But the move is controversial."

South Africa faces a severe crime crisis with an estimated 64 people killed daily across the country. Major cities including Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town rank among the world's most dangerous. The Cape Flats townships near Cape Town experience particularly high rates of gang violence and organized crime linked to extreme wealth inequality, poverty, and corrupt policing. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced military deployment to combat organized crime. The government deployed 550 soldiers to Gauteng province to address illegal mining operations, with soldiers visible on Johannesburg streets. This military intervention remains controversial as illegal mining has surged following the mining sector's decline.

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