South Africa Deploys Army to Tackle Rising Crime
By law, soldiers have limited powers in such operations: they may arrest civilians only in exceptional circumstances and must transfer any detainees to the police without delay.
Troops are now on the streets as South Africa turns to its army to bolster overstretched police in a push against violent crime, from illicit mining syndicates to entrenched gang networks. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the deployment of 2,200 soldiers to five of the country’s nine provinces hit hardest by criminal activity.
Set to run for a year, the operation aims to stabilize communities battered by lawlessness, though critics argue the military is an imperfect tool for civilian policing. Illegal mining and gang violence have become flashpoints in South Africa, which continues to record one of the highest murder rates globally.
- Advertisement -
By law, soldiers have limited powers in such operations: they may arrest civilians only in exceptional circumstances and must transfer any detainees to the police without delay.