This deployment is different, says Ramaphosa, as SANDF swoops on illegal mining:
Soldiers raided multiple suspected illegal mining sites in Gauteng on Wednesday ...
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-03-12-this-deployment-is-different-says-ramaphosa-as-sandf-swoops-on-illegal-mining-/
/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_4240_365128.jpg)
Photo: dailymaverick.co.za · view article
SANDF Tackles Illegal Mining and Gang ViolenceOperation Prosper deploys 550 soldiers until April 2027, focusing on illegal mining and gangsterism across multiple South African provinces.
Key FactsMar 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- President Ramaphosa highlighted that this SANDF deployment acts as a force multiplier supporting police operations differently than past missions.
- The military assists with high-risk searches, roadblocks, and infrastructure patrols to free law enforcement for investigative duties.
- Raids in Gauteng led to confiscation of mining equipment and destruction of suspected gold-processing materials at abandoned sites.
- Concerns were raised that deploying the military in civilian areas risks escalating tensions and unfairly targeting communities.
The military is not trained for civilian policing. We saw the disastrous backlash during the Covid-19 lockdown, where soldiers, operating under unclear rules of engagement, brutalised the very communities they were meant to protect. Deploying the SANDF into the complex social fabric of our townships is a recipe for confrontation, not safety. It criminalises an entire community rather than isolating the actual criminals.— Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), commenting on the SANDF deployment and its impact on communities.
Story Details
| Last Updated | |
| Total Articles | 7 |
Main Topics
military forces of the South African Government
News on this topic
IN PICS | SANDF raids homes suspected of being used for illegal mining activity : Members of the South African National Defence Force carried out raids at ...
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-03-13-sandf-raids-homes-suspected-of-being-used-for-illegal-mining-activity/
WATCH | SANDF continues Gauteng crackdown for third day, targeting illegal mining
news24.com/southafrica/crime-and-courts/sandf-continues-gauteng-crackdown-for-third-day-targeting-illegal-mining-20260313-0677
More articles on this subject
Previous
This deployment is different, says Ramaphosa, as SANDF swoops on illegal mining: Soldiers raided multiple suspected illegal mining sites in Gauteng on Wednesday ...
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-03-12-this-deployment-is-different-says-ramaphosa-as-sandf-swoops-on-illegal-mining-/
Next
Similar to This
Previous
EWN 22h
92 arrested, explosives and firearms seized in Krugersdorp illegal mining raid: The operation comes as law enforcement efforts intensify to address illegal ...
ewn.co.za/2026/10/19/92-arrested-explosives-and-firearms-seized-in-krugersdorp-illegal-mining-raid
EWN Oct 06
Motshekga: Poor state of SANDF vehicles impacting Operation Prosper: Following parliamentary oversight visits to operational areas, some MPs questioned the ...
ewn.co.za/2026/10/06/motshekga-poor-state-of-sandf-vehicles-impacting-operation-prosper
SANDF to honour soldiers killed in mine shaft tragedy: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will pay tribute to four soldiers at a memorial service ...
iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-07-23-sandf-to-honour-soldiers-killed-in-mine-shaft-tragedy/
Two SANDF members killed after falling into abandoned mine shaft chasing illegal miners
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-07-17-two-sandf-members-killed-after-falling-into-abandoned-mine-shaft-chasing-illegal-miners/
121 suspects arrested in Gauteng illegal mining raid: A joint operation in Gauteng's West Rand led to the arrest of 121 suspects and the seizure of explosives ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-07-13-121-suspects-arrested-in-gauteng-illegal-mining-raid/
eNCA Jul 10
More than 70 arrested in Gauteng illegal mining crackdown: Police and the SANDF have arrested more than 70 suspects during an ongoing operation targeting illegal ...
enca.com/news-top-stories/more-70-arrested-gauteng-illegal-mining-crackdown
PICS | Over 150 suspected illegal miners arrested at Kloof Mine in Gauteng: More than 150 suspected illegal miners were arrested in a significant operation by ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-07-07-pics-over-150-suspected-illegal-miners-arrested-at-kloof-mine-in-gauteng/
Illegal mining bust: 43 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed in Gauteng: Forty-three suspected illegal miners, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-06-04-illegal-mining-bust-43-undocumented-foreign-nationals-nabbed-in-gauteng/
Operation Prosper: SAPS and SANDF arrest 36 suspects in Gauteng gang and illegal mining crackdown
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-05-31-operation-prosper-saps-and-sandf-arrest-36-suspects-in-gauteng-gang-and-illegal-mining-crackdown/
Ramaphosa deploys 550 soldiers to fight illegal mining in Gauteng: Deployment expected to cost state more than R80m
timeslive.co.za/politics/2026-03-11-ramaphosa-deploys-550-soldiers-to-help-fight-illegal-mining-in-gauteng/
Key Facts550 Soldiers Deployed to Combat Illegal Mining in Gauteng
Mar 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- President Ramaphosa authorized the deployment of 550 SANDF soldiers to assist police in curbing illegal mining in Gauteng.
- This initiative, named Operation Prosper, is scheduled from January 31 to April 30, 2026, with an estimated cost exceeding R80 million.
- Members of Parliament expressed concerns about the deployment’s scope, funding adequacy, and soldier conduct during the operation.
- The Gauteng deployment marks the initial phase of a broader plan including interventions in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
I have employed 550 members of the SANDF for service in co-operation with the SAPS to prevent and combat crime and maintain and preserve law and order in Gauteng under Operation Prosper — illegal mining.— Cyril Ramaphosa; addressing the deployment of the SANDF to Gauteng to combat illegal mining under Operation Prosper.
SANDF deployed in Eldorado Park and Riverlea in fight against illegal mining and crime
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-03-11-sandf-deployed-in-eldorado-park-and-riverlea-in-fight-against-illegal-mining-and-crime/
SANDF deployment to back police set to start on 31 March: National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said the army would play a supporting role to the South ...
mg.co.za/news/2026-03-04-sandf-deployment-to-back-police-set-to-start-on-31-march/
The Citizen Mar 05
Mashatile defends JCPS strategy as MPs question failures in illegal mining: Mashatile says government will intensify intelligence-driven operations to combat ...
citizen.co.za/news/mashatile-jcps-strategy-mps-question-failures-in-illegal-mining/
EWN Feb 23
SANDF deployment: More than 450 soldiers deployed to Gauteng : The deployment comes after more than 600 people from the Sporong informal settlement in the West ...
ewn.co.za/2026/02/23/sandf-deployment-more-than-450-soldiers-deployed-to-gauteng
Joy in Eastern Cape as Ramaphosa extends SANDF deployment: The army will be deployed to fight gangsterism in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng ...
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-02-17-joy-in-eastern-cape-as-ramaphosa-extends-sandf-deployment/
/file/attachments/orphans/WhatsAppImage2026-02-12at222451_996754.jpeg)
Key FactsSANDF Deployment Approved to Boost Eastern Cape Security
Feb 18, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- President Ramaphosa directed the SANDF to support police in combating crime across Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Gauteng.
- Deployment plans were finalized by police and military leaders and are set to begin within ten days.
- Multidisciplinary task teams will focus on criminal leadership, finances, firearms, and logistics to dismantle organized crime networks.
- Political leaders and communities welcomed the intervention but stress the need for socioeconomic solutions alongside military action.
For years we have begged, pleaded and prayed, and finally our pleas and prayers have been answered.— Rina Potgieter, a resident of Helenvale, expressed her feelings about the military intervention against gang violence.
EWN Feb 13
Army and police a ‘strong combination’ against crime, says Ramaphosa: Ramaphosa was addressing the media on Friday following last night's announcement in his ...
ewn.co.za/2026/02/13/army-and-police-a-strong-combination-against-crime-says-ramaphosa
The Citizen Feb 13
Lesufi welcomes deployment of soldiers to tackle illegal mining in Gauteng: "Illegal mining undermines the rule of law, endangers communities ...
citizen.co.za/news/lesufi-welcomes-deployment-soldiers-tackle-illegal-mining-gauteng/
EWN Dec 22 25
Calls for SANDF intervention in Bekkersdal amid claims of police complicity with illegal miners
ewn.co.za/2025/12/22/calls-for-sandf-intervention-in-bekkersdal-amid-claims-of-police-complicity-with-illegal-miners
South African president deploys army to tackle illegal mining: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 3,300 army personnel to ...
reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-president-deploys-army-tackle-illegal-mining-2023-11-09/
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/LOKI633K45PJJBQAAKTDUDBGF4.jpg)
Next