President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared organised crime the most immediate threat to South Africa's democracy, society, and economic development. Emphasizing a primary focus on intensifying the fight against criminal syndicates this year, Ramaphosa stated, “we cannot fight organised criminals by treading softly. We must act with zero tolerance and bring the full force of the law to bear.” He reinforced that there would be “no impunity for acts of criminality and corruption.” This urgent stance comes amidst a dire situation in the country, which faces a staggering murder rate of around 60 deaths per day, partially attributed to wars between drug gangs and mass shootings linked to illegal mining. To combat this, initiatives include the recruitment of approximately 5,500 new police officers.

In a significant escalation of the government's response to violent crime, President Ramaphosa announced during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). This deployment is specifically targeted at gang-affected areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, aiming to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in tackling gun violence and organised crime. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde welcomed this decision, highlighting its potential to provide much-needed short-term relief to communities severely impacted by gang violence. However, Winde stressed the critical importance of deeper, long-term reforms, advocating for a sustained strengthening of policing capacity and crime-fighting resources in the Western Cape. The province has consistently called for additional police personnel and specialised units to address persistent crime hotspots, particularly on the Cape Flats.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader, Bantu Holomisa, also expressed support for the SANDF deployment. Holomisa confirmed that the Department of Defence was actively preparing to implement the President’s directive, indicating that parliamentary processes would need to be finalised before troops are formally deployed. He anticipated that within two weeks, troops would be deployed to work alongside the police, ensuring the President's orders are carried out. Holomisa also underscored the vital role of cooperation from communities for the operation's success. This deployment represents a crucial national response to violent crime, particularly in the gang-ridden areas of the Western Cape and parts of Gauteng.