The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to public concerns and mixed reactions following the deployment of soldiers alongside police in crime-affected communities.
In answers to questions from Ian Cameron, DA Member of Parliament, SAPS outlined the legal authority, command structures, and operational planning behind the involvement of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), clarifying the role of the military in supporting law enforcement efforts.
“The deployment of the SANDF, is authorised under Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996). In accordance with this provision, the SANDF is authorised by the President of the Republic of South Africa, for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), to prevent and combat crime, and maintain and preserve law and order within designated provinces of the Republic of South Africa (RSA),” SAPS said.
While the legal basis for the deployment is clear, SAPS emphasised that some questions, particularly regarding parliamentary reporting, are best answered by the military itself. “The SANDF is best suited to respond to this question, as the SAPS only requested the deployment.”
Police confirmed that the deployment is part of a broader national security plan and is linked to the government’s priorities highlighted during the 2026 State of the Nation Address. “This deployment is part of the deployment referenced in the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA). The troops were available and, given their prior deployment alongside the SAPS, including their recent support in addressing illicit mining in the Sporong area of Johannesburg, they were deployed as a forerunner to the main operation, which is scheduled to commence on 1 April 2026 once all preparatory phases, including Joint Mission Readiness Training with the SAPS, have been completed.”
The reference to previous operations, particularly those targeting illegal mining, illustrates continuity in how security forces are used in high-risk urban areas such as parts of Johannesburg.
“As reported at the Portfolio Committee on Police (PCoP) briefing on 4 March 2026, the principle of each entity retaining its distinct command authority throughout the operation i.e. command over own forces, applies, but with a robust operational command, control and coordination mechanism in place, with the SAPS leading when policing functions are conducted, including on Crime Scenes in terms of established SAPS protocols,” SAPS said, underlining that policing authority remains with the civilian police.
The rules guiding soldiers operating in civilian environments are set out in law. “Section 19(3)(c)(ii) of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002) - provides for strategic guidelines for the deployment of the Combined Force Structure Elements (FSEs) in the designated provinces of the RSA, in the combating of gangsterism and illicit mining. This document has been approved and signed by the National Commissioner of the SAPS and the Chief of the SANDF.”
Planning for the wider deployment has already been extensive. “In relation to the anticipated deployment from 1 April 2026, in the other action areas, numerous planning sessions and meetings have already occurred between the SAPS and the SANDF, at both national and provincial level.”
Taken together, the responses depict a carefully coordinated build-up to a larger operation set to begin in April, as South Africans continue to debate the presence of military personnel in civilian policing environments.
Saturday Star
