South Africa has begun deploying troops to some of its most crime-affected areas, as authorities attempt to curb gang violence and illegal mining amid mounting pressure on police forces.
Cyril Ramaphosa earlier approved the deployment of 2,200 soldiers across five provinces, targeting regions hardest hit by organised crime. The operation is expected to run for one year.
The deployment began in March with an initial group sent to Gauteng province, including Johannesburg. A larger contingent started operations on April 1 in the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and Western Cape.
Authorities say the move is aimed at restoring order in areas plagued by gang activity and illicit mining — both major contributors to South Africa’s high violent crime rate. The country consistently ranks among those with the highest murder rates globally.
Residents in affected communities, however, have expressed mixed reactions.
In Eldorado Park, a Johannesburg suburb included in the first phase of the deployment, some residents said the military presence has done little to reassure them.
“It’s a hell-hole to live in,” said Leola Davies, a 74-year-old resident, describing persistent fear of violence in the area.
Others questioned whether the intervention would have any lasting impact. “It will only make the violence worse,” said Elviena le Roux, a mother of three.
Some residents acknowledged a temporary sense of security, but warned it quickly fades once soldiers withdraw. “When they leave, things return to chaos,” said Ronald Rabie, adding that a more permanent solution is needed.
Experts have also raised concerns about the effectiveness of using the military in civilian policing roles.
Criminologist Guy Lamb said soldiers are trained for combat rather than community-based policing, warning their involvement could escalate tensions in already volatile environments.
South Africa has previously relied on military deployments to address internal security challenges. In 2023, more than 3,000 troops were sent to combat illegal mining, while in 2021 the army was deployed to contain unrest following the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.
Past operations have drawn criticism over allegations of excessive force, particularly during enforcement of Covid-19 restrictions.
Analysts caution that without addressing underlying drivers of crime — including poverty, unemployment and organised criminal networks — the impact of the current deployment is likely to be short-lived.