Overview
- Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa said the SANDF is ready to deploy within about two weeks once Parliament gives the go‑ahead.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that soldiers will support, not replace, police operations and said he will formally brief Parliament on timing and budget, withholding tactical specifics for operational security.
- Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the short‑term stabilisation effort, with calls for stronger long‑term policing capacity and resources.
- Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill‑Lewis backed the move as temporary relief and urged devolved metro policing powers and improvements to boost gang, gun and drug conviction rates.
- Officials cited entrenched organised crime behind gang violence and zama zamas in illegal mining hubs, as police in the Western Cape launched targeted operations in gang hotspots under Operation Shanela.