President Cyril Ramaphosa has in line with section 201 (3) (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy two thousand two hundred (2 200) members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism.

The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

The deployment is for the period 01 March 2026 until 31 March 2027.

Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, directs that “Only the President, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service”.

Expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.00.

During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Ramaphosa announced the intention to deploy the South Africa National Defence to areas afflicted by illegal mining and gang violence.

President Ramaphosa calls on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process.

As issued by the Presidency of South Africa

A Golden Arrow bus driver has been suspended following a head on collision with another bus in District Six this morning.

Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer says two people sustained severe injuries, while several others are being treated for minor injuries.

“Golden Arrow can confirm an incident that occurred at about 8.30am this morning, one of our buses collided with a third party bus. Two people are being treated for serious injuries while approximately 20 others suffered minor injuries. Our bus was not carrying any passengers at the time.”

Dyke-Beyer further confirmed that internal investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.

“Our driver has since been suspended in line with company procedure.”

In an unrelated incident, a Golden Arrow bus was set alight in Mfuleni following early morning protest action.

Dyke-Beyer says the bus driver sustained injuries during the attack.

“The seriousness of these brazen attacks should not be underplayed. Stoning buses and setting them alight is incredibly dangerous, and it’s never justifiable.”

A 17-year-old has been taken into police custody following a stabbing incident at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong, Carletonville yesterday.

The Gauteng Department of Education says two learners were involved in an altercation on school premises, which led to the stabbing of a Grade 9 learner.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the 16-year-old later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

“We are devastated by this tragic loss of life and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased learner and the school community. We strongly discourage any acts of violence among learners, as such actions have irreversible consequences.”

Mabona also issued a stern warning to parents, urging them to discipline their children at home to reduce behavioural challenges at schools.

“We urgently call upon parents and guardians to assist us in instilling discipline in our children at home, as it takes a collaborative effort to ensure our learners behave appropriately and remain safe.”

The Department has dispatched its Psychosocial Support Unit to visit the school today to provide support to the affected learners and educators.

The police have confirmed that a murder investigating is underway.

Also read: Learner stabbed in Durbanville, police & SGB investigate

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