Ramaphosa considers to deploy soldiers to violent areas, but warns of the danger

South Africa is contemplating deploying the army to areas plagued by escalating gang violence, though President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned that soldiers operate under different protocols than police officers. The consideration follows a surge in deadly incidents involving alleged gang members and the killing of innocent civilians.

Considering Military Intervention

President Ramaphosa addressed journalists on Saturday following a meeting of the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla. He acknowledged the calls for military deployment but emphasized the fundamental difference in training and operational focus between soldiers and police. “The army…are not police people, they do not investigate,” Ramaphosa stated. “When they see someone doing wrong, they see them as an enemy and they shoot to kill.”

Did You Know? Between December 29, 2025, and January 11, 2026, the Cape Flats recorded 58 gang-related murders and 60 attempted murders.

A Combined Approach

Ramaphosa indicated a potential strategy involving a coordinated effort between the army and the police. He suggested the army could provide support, but stressed the importance of “good intelligence” from the police and crime intelligence units to identify perpetrators. This approach aims to leverage the army’s capabilities while relying on law enforcement for investigation and due process.

Soldiers and Rules of Engagement

The President highlighted the critical need to carefully consider the implications of deploying soldiers, given their training to use lethal force. He noted that South Africa already has a “multi-disciplinary mixed of forces” which could allow for a supported response.

Expert Insight: Deploying the military in a domestic law enforcement role presents a complex challenge. The President’s caution reflects the inherent tension between the military’s mandate to neutralize threats and the police’s role in upholding due process and investigating crimes. A successful intervention will depend on clear rules of engagement and close coordination between the two forces.

Recent Violence

The discussion around military deployment comes after a particularly violent period. Last weekend, 26 people died on the Cape Flats in Western Cape. A mass shooting at a tavern in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi, on Saturday, January 17th, resulted in eight deaths and ten injuries, and is believed to be linked to extortion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the President’s primary concern regarding army deployment?

President Ramaphosa’s primary concern is that soldiers are trained to shoot to kill and do not conduct investigations like police officers.

How could the army and police work together?

The President suggested the police provide intelligence, identifying those involved in wrongdoing, while the army could offer support.

What recent events prompted this discussion?

The discussion was prompted by a surge in gang violence, including 26 deaths on the Cape Flats last weekend and a mass shooting in Philippi that left eight dead and ten injured.

As South Africa grapples with escalating gang violence, what role should the military play in supporting civilian law enforcement?