Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have undergone special training to prepare them for interacting with civilians during crime-fighting operations.
This was revealed by Athlenda Mathe during a joint operation between the army and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Westbury, west of Johannesburg.
The deployment forms part of government’s broader plan to tackle gang violence and illicit mining in several crime hotspot areas. The initiative follows a directive by Cyril Ramaphosa for the police and the military to work together to stabilise communities affected by violent crime.
Mathe says soldiers deployed in the operation first underwent mission readiness training conducted jointly by SAPS and the SANDF.
She says the training focused on preparing soldiers to operate in civilian environments while following police operational procedures.
According to Mathe, members were also briefed on SAPS protocols regarding the use of force, escalation procedures and the importance of respecting human rights.
“Every member must respect the right to life and dignity. We will not allow torture, inhumane treatment or degrading conduct during these operations,” she said.
The joint operation aims to reduce crime in areas affected by gang violence and illegal mining, while also targeting the removal of illegal firearms, explosives and drugs.
In Gauteng, the deployment began with a show of force in communities west of Johannesburg, including Eldorado Park, Riverlea and Westbury, which have experienced repeated gang-related shootings.
Mathe says SAPS will lead operations on the ground, with each platoon consisting of commanders from both the police and the military to ensure coordination.
Authorities say the operation will run on a 24-hour basis with day and night shifts to maintain a continuous security presence in affected communities.
Police have expressed confidence that the combined task force will help reduce crime and bring stability to communities that have long called for stronger intervention from government.
The soldiers have been deployed to the West Rand in Gauteng, the Cape Flats, as well as areas in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West.
