In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 3 300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to assist the police in combating illegal miners. The statement also revealed that the cost of this deployment is approximately R490 million rand.

“Members of the SANDF will, in cooperation with the South African Police Service, conduct an intensified anti-criminality operation against illegal mining across all provinces, from 28 October 2023 until April 2024,” said the Presidency in a statement on Thursday.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk