South African president authorizes deployment of 2,200 troops to combat crime

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday authorized the deployment of 2,200 members of the national defense force to assist in combating crime.

Ramaphosa said the deployment is intended to help prevent and combat crime while supporting and maintaining law and order, with a focus on illegal mining and gang-related activity.

The troops will assist the South African Police Service in five provinces: the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West Province and the Western Cape.

Government officials estimate the deployment will cost about 823 million rand, or roughly $49 million. The operation is scheduled to run from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.