South Africa Deploys Military to Combat Crime

Soldiers were deployed to the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday to assist police in combating gang violence and illegal mining. This marks the first major deployment since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to utilize the military against organized crime in a national address last month.

Deployment Details

Military personnel were observed entering apartment buildings in the Riverlea and Westbury suburbs of Johannesburg, with military vehicles moving through the areas. The initial deployment involves 550 soldiers in the Gauteng province, scheduled to last until the end of April. A broader deployment is planned across five of South Africa’s nine provinces, targeting illegal mining in Gauteng, North West, and Free State, and gang violence in Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Some aspects of the national deployment could extend for over a year.

Resident Reactions

Residents of Riverlea expressed relief at the increased security presence. Pearl Hilma stated her support for the crackdown, citing frequent gang activity and nightly gunfire in the neighborhood. Yasin Botha, another resident, said the combined presence of police and military provides reassurance and a quicker response to potential shootings. He noted a feeling of insecurity due to the unpredictable nature of the violence. Graffiti signs in the area denounce crime, with one near a school reading “No to Guns, Pray for our Community.”

Government Rationale and Previous Deployments

Ramaphosa informed Parliament of the deployment, emphasizing the need to address a surge in violent organized crime that threatens public safety and state authority. South Africa has previously deployed the military to address crime and disorder, notably in 2021 during riots and looting sparked by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma and frustrations over COVID-19 lockdowns, which resulted in over 350 deaths. Ramaphosa acknowledged the historical sensitivity surrounding military deployments, referencing the army’s role in suppressing pro-democracy protests during the apartheid era.

Crime Statistics and Political Response

South Africa faces high rates of violent crime. Police data indicates 6,351 homicides occurred between October and December 2023, averaging nearly 70 per day in a country of approximately 62 million people. There are also significant numbers of attempted murders and violent assaults. The deployment has generally been welcomed, although some political parties have interpreted it as an admission of police shortcomings in controlling crime.

Associated Press writer Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa contributed.

This version corrects the spelling of a resident’s name to Yasin Botha.

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