South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers patrol during an operation in Riverlea, near Johannesburg, on March 11, 2026. South Africa deployed soldiers for a year to provinces struggling to quell rampant crime and illegal mining, according to a mission plan presented to parliament on March 4, 2026. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment last month, calling organised crime the "most immediate threat" to South Africa's democracy and economic development. (Photo by Marco Longari / AFP)
Soldiers moved into gang-violence hotspots in Johannesburg Wednesday to support police efforts to tackle rampant crime, described by President Cyril Ramaphosa as one of the biggest threats facing South Africa.
Around a dozen armed vehicles rolled into suburbs just west of Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, to kick off a deployment announced by Ramaphosa a month ago.
Soldiers begin operations in gang-hit suburbs
Armed and uniformed soldiers backed by police conducted house-to-house searches, lifting mattresses and opening cupboards as they asked about drugs and weapons, an AFP photographer said.
The areas — including Riverlea and Westbury — are plagued by regular shootings and murders linked to turf wars between gangs.
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While some residents appeared to welcome the presence of the soldiers, a man who gave his name only as Ali was doubtful.
“Nothing is going to change,” he told AFP. “They are going to be here for a few days and then everything will go back to normal.”
“Is this the real deal?” an elderly man shouted at a passing army convoy in Riverlea. A woman was murdered in a nearby apartment block this week, he said.
Organised crime labelled national threat
South Africa’s high crime rate includes on average 60 murders a day, many linked to turf battles between gangs involved in drugs and illegal mining.
“Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development,” Ramaphosa said in a state of the nation address last month.
The military deployment will last a year and cover five of the nine provinces, including the Western Cape, home to tourist hub Cape Town, according to a plan presented to parliament.
The measure has drawn criticism from experts and opposition politicians who say troops lack policing skills.
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