Photo source: x.com/PresidencyZA
Cape Town, South Africa | 13 February 2026
By Themba Khumalo
In what is being described as one of the most decisive security interventions of his presidency, Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to gang-ridden communities in the Western Cape and parts of Gauteng, as the government intensifies efforts to combat organised crime, drug cartels, illegal mining and escalating violence.
The announcement comes amid rising public concern over violent crime, gang warfare and allegations of deep-rooted corruption within elements of the criminal justice system which is currently being exposed by the Madlanga Commission and Parliamentary Ad hoc committee looking into criminal influence in the criminal justice system.
“A Stronger South Africa Must Be Safe”
Addressing the nation, President Ramaphosa said the cost of crime was measured “in lives lost and futures cut short,” warning that organised criminal networks now pose “the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development.”
“Children in the Western Cape are caught in the crossfire of gang wars. People are chased out of their homes by illegal miners in Kagiso in Gauteng. Women are murdered by their partners in their homes. Building sites are shut down by criminals. This must and will change,” he said.
The President confirmed that the SANDF would be deployed in support of the police, similar to previous operations targeting illegal mining. He has instructed the Minister of Police and military leadership to develop a tactical deployment plan within days for affected areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
In accordance with constitutional requirements, Ramaphosa said Parliament would be formally informed of the timing, locations and cost implications of the deployment.
Crackdown on Organised Crime and Gun Violence
Government’s strategy includes consolidating national intelligence structures, identifying priority criminal syndicates and deploying multi-disciplinary intervention teams to dismantle organised networks.
A major focus will be gun crime. Ramaphosa announced plans to streamline firearm licensing legislation and tighten enforcement of existing gun laws. Additionally, 5,500 new police officers will be recruited this year, building on the 20,000 officers added in recent years.
The President also unveiled a National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme aimed at combating counterfeit and illegal goods infiltrating South African markets. Using data analytics and artificial intelligence, authorities will target high-risk sectors including tobacco, fuel and alcohol.
Corruption Exposed by Madlanga Commission
The deployment follows damaging revelations from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which exposed alleged corruption and abuse of power within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and certain Metro Police departments.
The commission heard allegations that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala used political influence to secure protection and interfere in investigations, including the alleged disbandment of a Political Killings Task Team that had been probing him. Evidence presented suggested links to senior police officials and irregular benefits, including access to blue lights typically reserved for law enforcement vehicles.
Matlala has also been associated with lucrative state contracts, including those linked to Tembisa Hospital, where whistleblower Babita Deokaran was murdered after exposing suspicious payments to suppliers.
Ramaphosa said a SAPS task team has been established to fast-track investigations stemming from the commission’s findings, while the State Security Agency will re-vet senior SAPS and Metro Police management, including conducting lifestyle audits.
“We cannot tolerate this. The rule of law depends on a police service that is ethical, responsive and rooted in the communities that it serves,” he said.
Anti-Corruption Reforms and Whistleblower Protection
The President further pledged to strengthen anti-corruption bodies such as the Special Investigating Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Government will consider recommendations from the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council regarding the creation of a permanent, independent anti-corruption body. A new Whistle-Blower Protection Bill will be introduced in Parliament to criminalise retaliation and provide legal, financial and psychosocial support to whistleblowers.
Procurement reform is also central to the strategy. The Auditor-General has identified procurement systems as a primary source of corruption, prompting government to finalise regulations under the new Public Procurement Act by mid-2026.
A Broader Crisis of Crime and State Capture
South Africa continues to struggle with one of the highest violent crime rates globally, with high levels of murder, assault and armed robbery undermining investor confidence and public safety.
The Madlanga Commission follows the landmark Zondo Commission, which exposed extensive “state capture” networks involving politically connected individuals, including members of the Gupta family, who were accused of benefiting from billions of rand in state contracts across sectors such as aviation, mining and rail.
The country’s proliferation of illegal firearms — some dating back to the armed struggle against apartheid and regional conflicts — has further fuelled violent crime.
Military Under Strain
The SANDF deployment comes at a challenging time for the military, which has faced budget constraints and operational pressures. South Africa recently withdrew troops from peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo following casualties suffered in regional missions, amid efforts to rebuild capacity and morale within the armed forces.
Despite these constraints, Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the success of the intervention.
“We cannot fight organised criminals by treading softly. We must act with zero tolerance and bring the full force of the law to bear,” he said. “Let this message be clear: there will be no impunity for acts of corruption and criminality.”
The coming weeks will test whether the deployment marks a turning point in the country’s battle against organised crime — or whether deeper structural reforms will be required to restore public trust in South Africa’s security institutions.
