South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he will deploy the military to assist the police in combating criminal gangs and unlawful mining activities across the country.
Gang-related violence remains a significant challenge in South Africa, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.
“Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society, and our economic development,” Ramaphosa said during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Speaking to VOC News, Western Cape CPF Rafique Folflonker said the move does not necessarily address the root causes of the problem.
“Deployment of the military doesn’t really solve the problem of gang violence or the social ills on the Cape Flats. While we welcome the move, even if it’s short-term, it’s not a permanent solution but rather a temporary measure,” Folflonker remarked.
Listen to the full interview here.
Photo: GovernmentZA/X
