South Africa will deploy troops to fight illegal mining, gang violence

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s president announced on Thursday that the country will be deploying troops into communities to assist the police in combating illegal mining and gang violence in its two most populous provinces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the growing threat of organized crime to democracy, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape, jeopardizing both economic stability and public safety.

Ramaphosa emphasized the impact of gang wars on children in the Western Cape and the displacement of residents due to illegal mining activities in Gauteng. As a response, he confirmed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support law enforcement efforts.

South Africa currently faces one of the highest homicide rates globally, with an average of 63 killings per day in 2025. The prevalence of gun violence, fueled by illegal firearms, remains a major concern for authorities.

The government has been struggling to prevent illegal miners, known as “zama zamas,” from accessing closed or abandoned mines, leading to significant financial losses in gold reserves. To address the escalating crime rates, a technology-driven intelligence approach and coordinated law enforcement efforts are being prioritized.

The Minister of Police and the South African National Defence Force are now working on a detailed plan to deploy security forces promptly to tackle gang violence and illegal mining activities.

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