By Brig (ret) Dirk Lambrechts
QUESTION
During the latest State of the Nation (“SONA) address on 12 February 2026, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa announced that as the President, he is to deploy members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to combat crimes like “criminal gang activities” in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and their vicinity. The combined forces (SAPS and SANDF) must likewise combat illegal mining in the Western Cape and in Gauteng.
A concerned reader has asked Pollex to share information about what is expected of them to combat crimes like criminal gang activities.
ANSWER
Pollex believes that ALL SAPS and ALL deployed Defence Force members must know what is expected of them under the circumstances concerned. Hopefully, by now, the SANDF members have received the requisite instructions. Important information includes three key aspects about:
- Criminal gang activities
- Illegal mining
- Powers and duties of SANDF members once deployed
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These three aspects are discussed in detail in this legal discussion, published in Servamus: April 2026. This article is available for purchase.