Amid rising tensions linked to anti-migrant demonstrations, South Africa has deployed more than 3,000 soldiers nationwide to assist police with security operations, according to a letter signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The document, released by parliament, states that 3,405 members of the South African National Defence Force were deployed starting June 28, with an estimated cost of 54.6 million rand.
Authorities say the troops have been placed on standby to support law enforcement as protests continue across major cities. The deployment follows marches held earlier this week, some of which escalated into violence and looting, resulting in mass arrests.
More than 900 people were detained for offences including public violence, robbery, immigration violations and sheltering undocumented migrants.
Organisers of the anti-migrant movement have vowed to continue weekly protests, raising concerns over sustained unrest in several urban areas, including parts of Johannesburg with large migrant populations.
