SANDF to be deployed in Eastern Cape to tackle organised crime, confirms Cachalia

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia confirmed the SANDF will be deployed alongside SAPS to combat gang violence, illegal mining, and organised crime across the Eastern Cape. Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have finalised a deployment plan set to begin within 10 days, which will now include the Eastern Cape. Cachalia announced during a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday afternoon, where MPs debated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The debate is set to continue on Wednesday at 2pm, with the President expected to respond on Thursday at 2pm. Speaking on the fight against corruption, violent crime, and organised crime, including gang violence and illegal mining, Cachalia described Ramaphosa’s February 12 SONA address as the most significant in the past decade. “The President’s speech recognised that the wellbeing and security of our people must be a core priority, upon which inclusive economic growth and the proper functioning of our democratic institutions depend,” he said. He added that Ramaphosa outlined a clear vision for the coming decades, accompanied by detailed action steps to achieve these objectives.