The deployment was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address last week as part of broader measures to stabilise high‑crime regions.

Holomisa confirmed that the SANDF has sufficient personnel and equipment available for immediate deployment. He said the Defence Force is now awaiting final operational details from the SA Police Service (SAPS) regarding the specific areas where military support is required.

“The Defence Force will be working closely with SAPS. There will be joint operations centres in the affected areas. As and when the police request us either for patrolling the area with them or that they want to go and arrest people or do searches, the army will always be on standby to assist them,” he said.

The deployment will focus on hotspots affected by violent organised crime, including gang‑related killings, extortion networks and the growth of illegal mining operations, particularly in informal settlements and abandoned mine shafts. These activities have been linked to rising levels of intimidation, unlawful firearms, and community displacement.

The SANDF is expected to provide logistical support, assist with high‑risk operations and reinforce police visibility in areas where criminal groups have proven difficult to dismantle. Holomisa emphasised that the military’s role will remain supportive, with SAPS continuing to lead all law‑enforcement activities.

Government’s decision to involve the SANDF follows repeated calls from provincial leaders and communities who say police alone are unable to contain the scale and sophistication of organised criminal groups. Previous joint operations have shown that military support can help stabilise volatile zones, though concerns about long‑term sustainability remain.

Holomisa said government is committed to restoring safety and ensuring that communities affected by violent crime are protected. Once SAPS provides final operational plans, the SANDF will move immediately to deploy.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–