‘We won’t tolerate crime’ – Lesufi on army deployment

Lesufi

Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to support police in combating criminality, particularly illegal mining.

The intervention was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town on Thursday evening.

“Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage.

“The deployment of soldiers to assist the police demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities,” Lesufi said in a statement on Friday.

Illegal mining has cost the South African economy billions of rands in lost revenue and has, in some areas, contributed to escalating violence.

Last week, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety reported an incident in which an alleged zama-zama (illegal miner) was shot and wounded during night-time gunfire in Bekkersdal. The committee added that the presence of illegal miners has also contributed to a surge in kidnappings in the area.

“The people of Gauteng deserve to live in safe communities free from criminality. We remain committed to doing everything possible, together with national government, to eradicate illegal mining and its associated crimes,” Lesufi said.

During the SONA, President Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the SANDF to support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape to tackle gang violence and illegal mining.

“I have directed the Minister of Police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan on where our security forces should be deployed within the next few days in the Western Cape and Gauteng to deal with gang violence and illegal mining,” the President said.

The deployment signals a coordinated effort between national and provincial authorities to address rising criminal activity linked to illegal mining and to restore public confidence in safety across high-risk areas.

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