Deployment of soldiers to cost more than R823 million

The deployment of soldiers to support police in the fight against crime will cost more than R823 million

The Presidency made the announcement on Friday, confirming more than 2,000 SANDF members have been deployed to assist police in tackling illegal mining and gang violence.

The troops are currently operating in five provinces, including Gauteng and the Western Cape.

The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the military would support police in areas hard hit by organised crime.

Ramaphosa said the move forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in illegal mining and gang violence.  

The Presidency said that the cost of the operation, which will run until March 2026, is estimated at just over R823 million.

Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, "This deployment serves to prevent and combat crime and support and preserve law and order.”

The Constitution allows the president to deploy the defence force in cooperation with the police, provided Parliament is informed of the timing, location and cost of the operation.