Cabinet welcomes SANDF deployment to combat gangsterism and illegal mining

Cabinet has welcomed the rollout of soldiers across five provinces to assist police in their crime-fighting efforts against gangsterism and illegal mining. 

The deployment, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the February State of the Nation Address, includes 2200 soldiers who, on Wednesday, were seen on the streets in several cities. 

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, however, said the deployment is not a silver bullet to stem the tide of gangsterism. 

"The SANDF will act as a force multiplier and operate with clear rules of engagement. The roll-out of the SANDF deployment is near completion."

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also announced two new appointments within the SANDF.

Bareng Mtimkulu is the Secretary of Defence and Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe, who on Wednesday took over command of the SA Air Force from Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo.