EC police welcome soldier deployment to fight crime

SANDF soldiers deployed to the Western Cape.

Police in the Eastern Cape say the deployment of SANDF members to the province is a much-needed enhancement in crime-fighting efforts.

The troops are in Gqeberha receiving orientation designed to provide essential information and resources to ensure a smooth deployment.

The SANDF members will start supporting police in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Sarah Baartman region from Friday.

Provincial police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana says they are confident that they’ll make an incredible impact on fighting crime in the communities.

“Since we work in separate spaces, we had to be orientated so that we know whatever we will be doing will be seamless so that we do not infringe upon the rights of the community; whatever that we are doing and we work as prescribed by the code of conduct. I am confident that we will be taking up and claiming back our communities and making an incredible impact in fighting crime in our communities.”

WATCH | The SANDF has been deployed to crime hotspots in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, to support the SAPS in tackling violent crime and restoring community safety. pic.twitter.com/WLLrmDnDYW

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 2, 2026