The Presidency has confirmed that troops will work with SAPS under Operation Prosper, targeting criminal networks and illegal mining across the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 2,200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in five provinces until March 2027, with the operation estimated to cost over R823 million.
The Presidency announced the decision in a media statement on Friday, March 13, 2026.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in line with Section 201(3)(a)–(d) of the Constitution, informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2,200 members of the South African National Defence Force for service in co-operation with the South African Police Service,” the statement said.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the deployment aims to prevent and combat crime while supporting and preserving law and order under Operation Prosper, which targets illegal mining and gangsterism.
Magwenya said SANDF members will assist SAPS in operations against illegal mining and gang activity in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.
“The deployment is for the period 1 March 2026 until 31 March 2027,” he said.
Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the South Africa states that only the president, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service.
Magwenya said the expenditure for the deployment is estimated at over R823 million
The move follows Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address 2026 that the government intended to deploy the SANDF to areas affected by illegal mining and gang violence.
“President Ramaphosa calls on communities to work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and isolate criminal elements and help make neighbourhoods safer,” Magwenya said.
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