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President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 3 300 soldiers to assist police in the fight against illegal mining.
In a statement, the presidency says Ramaphosa set out the deployment including the cost of approximately R490 million to the National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo.
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says this deployment is for a specific period.
“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 28 April 2024.”
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