Army on our streets: Who approved the SANDF deployment?

Questions are mounting over the controversial deployment of theSouth African National Defence Force (SANDF)in gang-plagued Gauteng communities, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanding urgent answers and warning the operation may have been launched without parliamentary approval. Ian Cameron, DA chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, has given Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola 24 hours to explain the legal basis for the deployment, raising concerns about command structures, rules of engagement, and whether the operation was properly authorised and reported to Parliament. The deployment came as soldiers and armoured vehicles rolled into the troubled streets of Eldorado Park on Wednesday, fulfilling President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge during the State of the Nation Address to back police in tackling violent gangs and illegal mining syndicates.

Their presence has sparked strong reactions from residents and local leaders, who have long demanded decisive action against the crime and violence plaguing their communities. Cameron emphasised that while the SANDF’s support to stabilise the streets alongside SAPS is not being questioned, the deployment must have proper legal backing and clear authorisation. “Parliament has not approved any new SANDF deployment specifically aimed at combating gang related crime following the State of the Nation Address.

If such a deployment has now taken place, it must be properly explained.” He questioned why there was still no clarity on joint SANDF–SAPS training or command structures, warning it was “very concerning” that senior SAPS officers were largely absent while soldiers operated on the ground. Cameron said he had written to the National Commissioner, demanding urgent clarity on the SANDF deployment, including its legal basis, command structure, and rules of engagement. “I have requested clarity from the National Commissioner within 24 hours and will update the public once answers are received,” he added.

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At the same time, Matthew Cook, GOOD Party national chairperson, said the deployment of the SANDF to gang-ravaged communities in Westbury, Eldorado Park, and Riverlea is a necessary step to restore safety and stability. While questions about parliamentary approval remain, he stressed that residents cannot wait for bureaucratic debates while gangs terrorise their neighbourhoods, noting that children walk to school through gang-controlled areas and families are constantly caught in the crossfire. “While some have raised concerns about parliamentary approval processes, the immediate priority must be restoring safety and stability for residents. These communities cannot wait for bureaucratic debates while gangs continue to terrorise neighbourhoods.”

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