SANDF Deployment Plan Finalised for Gauteng, Western Cape Crime Hotspots

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have finalised a joint deployment plan to strengthen the fight against gang violence and illegal mining in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed on Tuesday that SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya met on Monday to conclude operational arrangements, with deployment expected to begin within the next 10 days.

"I can confirm that the SAPS National Commissioner General Masemola and the Chief of the SANDF General Maphwanya met to finalise the deployment plan which will begin next ten days," Cachalia said.

Deployment Announced by President in SONA

The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 12 February 2026, where he outlined urgent measures to address escalating gang-related violence and the growing threat of illegal mining networks in the two provinces.

The intervention is expected to support SAPS operations in high-risk areas, while ensuring that constitutional mandates and policing responsibilities remain intact.

Learning from Past Deployments

Cachalia emphasised that the defence force deployment will be informed by lessons from previous interventions, both locally and internationally.

"We have agreed that the method of deployment should learn from past experiences in South Africa, as well as experiences elsewhere," he said.

He stressed that the operation must respect the legal mandates of SAPS, SANDF and the Constitution, while prioritising the urgent need to restore calm and stop killings linked to organised crime.

Strengthening Anti-Gang and Specialised Units

In addition to the SANDF support, Cachalia instructed the National Commissioner to strengthen SAPS Anti-Gang Units and deploy additional specialised policing resources.

"It is also going to be critical in this period to implement steps to strengthen the capabilities that are required for intelligence-driven approaches to dismantle the networks behind organised crime," he said.

Multi-Agency Task Teams to Target Crime Networks

The Minister announced that multidisciplinary task teams will be intensified to disrupt the leadership, finances, firearms supply and logistics of organised criminal syndicates.

These task teams will include:

• The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), under newly appointed head Advocate Andy Mothibi

• Skilled detectives and investigative specialists

• The Special Investigating Unit (SIU)

• The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

• Other law enforcement and intelligence partners

The focus will be on dismantling the organised structures driving gang violence, extortion and illegal mining operations.

Organised Crime Advisory Council to Be Established

Cachalia also revealed plans to establish a multi-stakeholder Organised Crime Advisory Council to oversee implementation of an integrated national strategy.

"I will be setting up a multi-stakeholder Organised Crime Advisory Council which will be overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated strategy to combat organised crime," he said.

The council will draw on open-source analysis and monitoring to strengthen oversight by the Ministry of Police.

All-of-Government Approach Needed

On the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), Cachalia said combating crime requires an all-of-government and all-of-society approach, recognising that criminality is rooted in broader socio-economic conditions.

He highlighted the role of provincial and local government, particularly in provinces most affected by gang violence and organised crime, including Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

"We cannot fight gang violence and criminality by relying on law enforcement alone. Young people in these communities need opportunity and the prospect of a meaningful dignified future," he said.

Renewed Focus on Gender-Based Violence

Cachalia also addressed the country's high levels of gender-based violence, rape and femicide, describing the situation as "unconscionable".

He welcomed the President's declaration of GBV as a national disaster and announced that Deputy Minister Dr Polly Boshielo will lead an assessment of SAPS response gaps, supported by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services.

This includes expanding and strengthening Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units to improve:

• Docket quality

• DNA evidence processing

• Victim support services at police stations

Community Policing and Patroller Programmes

The Minister underscored the importance of community involvement through Community Policing Forums, neighbourhood watches and expanded patroller programmes.

He said funding options could be explored through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Community Works Programme (CWP), creating both safety benefits and income support for vulnerable households.

Accountability and Police Reform Measures

Cachalia confirmed that SAPS senior management will undergo vetting and lifestyle audits by the State Security Agency (SSA), as announced by the President.

He also said the establishment of the Madlanga Commission represents an opportunity to reset policing in South Africa, with interim recommendations already being implemented through dedicated task teams.

To strengthen long-term reform, Cachalia is considering the creation of a National Police Board, as recommended by the National Planning Commission. Draft legislation has already been prepared by the Civilian Secretariat.

Restoring Public Trust

Cachalia concluded that rebuilding public trust in policing is essential for success, and can only be achieved through enhanced accountability, professionalism and constitutional governance.

The joint SAPS-SANDF deployment, alongside intelligence-driven policing and community partnerships, signals a renewed national push to confront organised crime and restore safety in South Africa's most affected provinces.