South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the army alongside the police to combat high levels of organized crime in the country during his annual State of the Nation address.
In a significant announcement on February 12, 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared intentions to deploy the military in conjunction with police forces as a response to escalating organized crime within the nation. This decision came during his annual State of the Nation address, where he discussed various issues, including improving economic circumstances, a successful G20 summit held in Johannesburg, and the establishment of a committee to tackle water crisis management. Ramaphosa's speech underscored the government's commitment to enhancing national security amidst growing public concern over crime.
The South African president emphasized that organized crime has emerged as an immediate threat to democracy and civil order, highlighting the urgency of military intervention. His remarks reflected a broader pattern of increasing violence and crime rates in South Africa, which have sparked public outcry and demands for effective government action. The deployment of military forces is aimed at specific high-crime areas where police have struggled to maintain control, indicating a potential shift in how the government approaches law enforcement and public safety.
This bold move to involve military forces in domestic policing raises various implications, particularly regarding civil liberties and the relationship between the military and civilian governance. While the government seeks to reassure citizens of increased safety, there are concerns about the militarization of law enforcement and whether such measures will effectively reduce crime in the long term. The response from the public and international observers will be critical as South Africa navigates this complex issue of organized crime and state response.
