President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for supporting police in anti-crime efforts, describing their performance as a 'fantastic job'. This comes amid ongoing deployments to combat violent crime in communities. Commentator Stephen Grootes warns that such military involvement risks undermining the state's legitimacy.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed Parliament, praising the SANDF's contributions to anti-crime operations. He stated, “This time around, we have developed our defence force capabilities so well that they build bridges, they save people who are in danger. They also help with supporting the police.” Ramaphosa highlighted the force as well-equipped and performing effectively, with the operation estimated to cost R823-million. This deployment responds to severe crime plaguing South African communities, where residents face daily violence from gangs controlling streets. Many welcome the military assistance given the police's struggles. However, analysis by Stephen Grootes in Daily Maverick argues this blurs lines between law enforcement and military roles, potentially eroding the state's monopoly on legitimate violence. Grootes cites the SANDF's challenges, including descriptions as “free-falling into obsolescence” by John Stupart, unchanged budgets per DefenceWeb, and vulnerabilities shown in Goma, DRC. Past incidents, like the Covid-19 era death of Collins Khosa in Alexandra by SANDF members over a beer bottle, raise concerns of repeats, now likely filmed publicly. Recent allegations involve 12 SANDF Special Forces members accused of killing Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa, with the SANDF covering legal fees and promoting the unit head. Two generals face looting charges for soldiers' funds, per Rapport, under Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya. Grootes warns of risks like soldiers losing firefights to criminals, captured on video, damaging state authority, or troops turning predatory due to poor leadership and resources.
