South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, has vowed that the military will confront criminal groups with decisive force.
Maphwanya, who addressed the media alongside National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, said the state maintains the sole authority to use force and warned that those operating outside the law would face firm action.
“We will show criminal elements that this is a state governed by law, and we will enforce that law and order by any means necessary,” said Maphwanya.
The joint media briefing followed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy approximately 2,000 SANDF members to areas identified as crime hotspots. The deployment is aimed particularly at combating illegal mining, extortion, and other forms of organised crime.
Maphwanya said the presence of the army on the ground would send a clear message to criminal networks.
“We will create conditions that make it impossible for criminals to continue operating with impunity,” he said. “We will not tolerate any escalation of criminal activity that threatens the lives of our people.”
Concerns have been raised that the military deployment could threaten civil liberties. However, both generals stressed that the forces involved would operate responsibly and within the law. Masemola emphasised that officers participating in the operation are not “trigger-happy”.
He also called on parents to ensure that children are not roaming the streets late at night, where they could become caught in dangerous situations.
“We ask parents to behave as parents. We cannot have children as young as 12 or 13 years old involved in illegal activities or out on the streets late at night,” Masemola said.
Addressing members of the security forces who will participate in the deployment, Masemola reminded them of the importance of their role.
“To SAPS and SANDF members taking part in this deployment, you carry the responsibility of protecting our democracy,” he said.