Ramaphosa deploys 3 300 soldiers to combat crime
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed about 3 300 soldiers from the South African National Defence Force to assist the police in fighting crime.
The presidency confirmed the deployment in a statement on Thursday.
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the deployment is an extension of Operation Prosper, which has been protecting Eskom power stations from sabotage and other crimes.
The soldiers will also help police tackle construction mafias and illegal mining.
"Members of the SANDF will, in cooperation with the South African Police Service, conduct an intensified anti-criminality operation against illegal mining across all provinces,” Magwenya said.
"The expenditure expected to be incurred for this deployment amounts to R 492 143 296. The president set out the employment in a letter to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo."
The deployment is set to last until April 2024.
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