South Africa's Ramaphosa to deploy army to combat crime

""Organized crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society, and our economic development," Ramaphosa said in his state of the nation address on Thursday. He promised additional forces would be deployed "within a few days." Ramaphosa is laying out his priorities as his ANC party faces political challengesImage: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty Images "The cost of crime is measured in lives that are lost and futures that are cut short. It is felt also in the sense of fear that permeates our society and in the reluctance of businesses to invest," Ramaphosa said."

"As of 2026, online database Numbeo found that Pietermaritzberg, Pretoria, Johannesberg, Durban and Port Elizabeth are the top five most dangerous cities in South Africa, with international tourist hotspot Cape Town coming in sixth. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video According to the Global Organized Crime Index, South Africa ranks 7th out of 193 countries when it comes to crime. In comparison, Australia is ranked 152 on the index, signifying that it is much safer than South Africa."

The government will deploy soldiers alongside police to tackle a massive crime crisis. Organized crime is identified as the most immediate threat to democracy, society, and economic development. Additional forces will be dispatched within days. Crime imposes human costs including lives lost, shortened futures, pervasive fear, and reduced business investment. Major urban centers rank among the most dangerous, with Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth listed highest and Cape Town sixth. The Global Organized Crime Index ranks South Africa seventh of 193 countries. The Cape Chamber reported an average of 64 murders per day in fiscal 2024–2025.

Read at www.dw.com