SANDF Troops Resume Operations In Johannesburg As Deployment Debate Intensifies

Troops from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have resumed operations in Johannesburg amid growing debate over the legality and scope of the military’s deployment in Gauteng.

The soldiers were initially deployed to Randfontein on the western side of the city before moving to Benoni on the East Rand on Thursday as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining.

Earlier in the week, troops working alongside members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) carried out raids in several areas, searching for contraband, illegal firearms and other criminal activity.

SANDF Operations In Johannesburg Residential Areas Raise Questions

The joint operations saw soldiers and police conduct raids in neighbourhoods including Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Westbury and Sophiatown.

However, the presence of soldiers in residential communities sparked concern among lawmakers. Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s police portfolio committee, questioned whether the military was authorised to operate inside these neighbourhoods.

The issue has fuelled debate over how far the SANDF’s mandate extends while assisting police in tackling crime in the province.

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During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the SANDF would be deployed to provinces experiencing high levels of crime.

Under the plan, troops in the Western Cape would concentrate on gang violence, while those deployed in Gauteng would focus primarily on illegal mining activities.

Despite this directive, soldiers accompanied by police have also visited residential areas in the southern parts of Johannesburg, a move not specifically outlined during the president’s address.

Defence Ministry Defends SANDF Deployment In Gauteng

Responding to the concerns, Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa defended the operation and said decisions on the ground rest with commanders.

“That instruction was issued and it is left entirely to the commanders, so the best person to answer you is the commissioner of police or the general of the SANDF.”

The security operation, known as Operation Prosper, is expected to continue until the end of April. President Ramaphosa has yet to comment on the latest developments surrounding the deployment.