‘We Are Not Going to Harass Our People’: SANDF Chief Vows No Mercy for Criminals

The chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has a message for criminals: we will show no mercy.

Speaking at a joint media briefing in Tshwane about the deployment of soldiers to deal with illegal mining and gang violence, General Rhudzani Maphwanya made the position clear.

“We are going out there in defence of our people, to protect our people and to prevent and combat crime and that is what we will be assisting with.”

“We are not going to harass our people. Any people who might feel harassed are criminals and we are reiterating again we are going there for those criminals, not to harass our people.”

The Deployment

More than 2,000 soldiers have been deployed from 1 March 2026 until the end of March 2027.

The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s order during his 2026 State of the Nation Address.

Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the intervention will focus on hotspots including:

• Gauteng

• North West

• Western Cape

• Free State

“The presence of the SAPS and SANDF in communities aims to restore stability, rebuild trust between communities, maintain law enforcement and disrupt criminal networks.”

No ‘Turf War’

Top army generals have dismissed claims of a “turf war” between the army and police.

Lt-Gen Michael Ramantswana, chief of operations at the SANDF, downplayed claims that deployment was delayed due to command and control disputes.

“What is called friction between us and the police is non-existent.”

This followed concerns raised by Ian Cameron, chairperson of the parliamentary police portfolio committee, who wrote to the SANDF about an apparent rift.

Cameron said it was worrying that soldiers deployed in Gauteng were apparently not in the company of police.

“Furthermore, SANDF representatives reportedly indicated to the joint standing committee on defence that their members would not take operational orders from SAPS. If that position still stands, it raises important questions about how operational command and control will function on the ground.”

High-ranking officers said on Friday the joint operation was designed to enhance co-operation and minimise operational friction.

Mixed Reactions

The deployment has been received with mixed emotions from communities.

But Maphwanya’s message was unequivocal: soldiers are there for criminals, not to harass law-abiding citizens.

The Bottom Line

Two thousand soldiers. Nine months. Four provinces. One mission: stop the criminals.

The SANDF chief says they will not hold back. The police commissioner says they will restore stability.

And for communities living with gang violence and illegal mining, the hope is that this time, the message sticks.

{Source: Timeslive}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com