South African soldiers deploy in Johannesburg to tackle crime and gangs

"President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his annual State of the Nation address on February 12 that organised crime was the most immediate threat to South Africa's democracy and economic development."

"Ramaphosa said in a notice to the speaker of parliament that 550 soldiers would be involved in an initial deployment in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, to help combat crime and preserve law and order. That deployment would last until the end of April, he said."

"The government plans a wider deployment in five of its nine provinces, according to details submitted by police to parliament. The deployment will focus on illegal mining in the Gauteng, North West and Free State provinces, and gang violence in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces."

South African soldiers have been deployed on streets in Johannesburg suburbs including Eldorado Park and Riverlea to address high crime levels and gang violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in February that organized crime poses the most immediate threat to the nation's democracy and economic development. An initial deployment of 550 soldiers in Gauteng province will operate until end of April, working alongside police to tackle gang violence and illegal mining. The government plans wider deployment across five provinces, with focus on illegal mining in Gauteng, North West, and Free State, and gang violence in Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Armoured vehicles have been deployed with soldiers conducting door-to-door searches in affected areas.

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