President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combating crime across five provinces.
According to the Presidency, the deployment forms part of Operation Prosper, an initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining and gangsterism while strengthening law and order in affected communities.
The SANDF members will assist SAPS operations in the provinces of the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West, and the Western Cape.
The deployment will run from 1 March 2026 until 31 March 2027, with the estimated cost of the operation set at R823 153 960.
Ramaphosa urged communities to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and support efforts to identify and isolate criminal elements. He emphasized that stronger collaboration between residents, SAPS, and the SANDF will help create safer neighbourhoods and reduce crime in the targeted areas.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
