SANDF deployment to combat crime is temporary, says General Sangweni

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has clarified that the current army deployment across four provinces is not a permanent fixture and carries a defined end date.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Siphiwe Sangweni, stated that the soldier deployment will be "intelligence-driven" as the defence force collaborates with the police to combat crime and illegal mining.

ALSO READ: SANDF to receive R800 million boost for anti-crime deployment

Sangweni briefed the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday regarding the army's preparedness for the operation, which commenced on 1 March.

"It's a robust, intelligence-driven operation with the SAPS and other departments to combat acts of criminality, illegal mining, and gangsterism in Gauteng, North West, Free State, and the Western Cape provinces, from 1 March to 31 March 2027," Sangweni said.

"Thereafter, we will demobilise and head back to home bases. The mission confirmed that the deployment is not perpetual. It has got an end date."