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SANDF members marching.
The African National Congress (ANC) says it believes the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist police in some provinces will curb the scourge of crime in affected areas.
The party says that despite the recent criticism by some political parties in Parliament, it believes that this move will restore order and ensure that people are safe in their homes.
“This intervention is in line with our ANC manifesto on peace and stability, especially by strengthening inter-governmental relations, promoting an integrated security and justice approach and also intensify the fight against crime and corruption. It is also in line with what the president has spoken about when he was addressing us during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2026, where he was speaking about the importance of visible policing and community safety. As the ANC study group in parliament, we believe that this intervention will strengthen the capacity of the police, restore order and ensure that our people are safe in their homes,” says Party MP Dikeledi Direko.
Some members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police have questioned whether the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on the Cape Flats is intelligence driven and whether there is an operational plan in place. pic.twitter.com/1eJ8OTQ4aw
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 9, 2026
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Deputy President Wyne Thring says the deployment of the soldiers, especially in areas such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town, seems to have little impact on the fight against gang violence.
“The ACDP is on record welcoming the deployment of the SANDF into our communities that have been riddled with crime. However, since their deployment into communities like the Cape Flats, the presence of the SANDF appears to have little impact in curbing gang violence, which has claimed several lives over the last few months. The continued loss of lives in our crime and drug-infested communities clearly points to a weakened arm of the law, one that criminals neither fear nor respect but openly challenge,” says Thring.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James has criticised the deployment of soldiers in some of the country’s provinces to assist police to fight gang violence and illegal mining.
James says no update has been given to members of Parliament since the start of the deployment, a month ago.
VIDEO | MPs question SANDF deployment
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 9, 2026
“Nothing has been said about the fact that we have not received a single report since the deployment, informing South Africans of where we are. What has happened? Is it working or not? If anything, since the deployment of the SANDF, there have been more deaths on the Cape Flats. It almost feels like a drive-by, like a wedding convoy passing through the community, with everyone waving and smiling. There is absolutely no operation taking place,” says James.
Rise Mzansi member of Parliament, Makashule Gana, says it will be difficult to conclude that the deployment of the soldiers to assist police in fighting crime is not working at this stage.
He was responding to criticism by certain political parties that this joint deployment is not as effective as expected.
“What we would like to see is greater collaboration involving the South African National Defence Force. There needs to be stronger cooperation between crime intelligence and the South African Police Service to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous acts are apprehended, brought to book, and face the full might of the law. We also want to see increased visibility from the SANDF, working closely with the police, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure that crime in these areas—gangsterism, gang violence, and drug trafficking, is brought to an end,” says Gana.
RELATED VIDEO | MPs question whether SANDF deployment on Cape Flats is intelligence-driven:
