South Africa to Deploy Troops in Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Gang Violence
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will deploy its military forces to assist police in combating the severe issues of illegal mining and gang violence, particularly in the provinces of Gauteng and Western Cape. In his annual State of the Union address to Parliament, Ramaphosa emphasized that organized crime poses an immediate threat to the nation's democracy, endangering both economic stability and public safety.
Immediate Threats to Democracy and Safety
Ramaphosa highlighted the dire situations in key regions, stating, "Children here in the Western Cape are caught in the crossfire of gang wars. People are chased out of their homes by illegal miners in Gauteng." As a response, he confirmed, "I will be deploying the South African National Defence Force to support the police." This move aims to address the escalating violence that has plagued communities, with South Africa recording one of the highest homicide rates globally, averaging approximately 63 killings per day in 2025.
Challenges of Illegal Mining and Gang Violence
Authorities have long struggled to control illegal mining activities, where armed groups, often referred to as "zama zamas" or "hustlers" in Zulu, exploit the country's 6,000 closed or abandoned mines. These miners, typically undocumented foreign nationals linked to crime syndicates, have caused significant economic losses, with over $3 billion in gold stolen in 2024 alone. Gang violence, fueled by illegal firearms despite strict gun ownership laws, further exacerbates the crime wave, with guns being the most common weapon in homicides.
Government's Strategic Response
To combat these challenges, the government is prioritizing a technology-driven intelligence approach and coordinated law enforcement efforts against criminal syndicates. The Minister of Police and the South African National Defence Force are tasked with developing a technical plan for the imminent deployment of security forces. This initiative underscores a renewed focus on enhancing public safety and stabilizing affected regions through military support and strategic policing.
