Residents of Westbury is Johannesburg have welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to help the police tackle gang violence.

Ramaphosa made the announcement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) emphasising that police and the SANDF must rapidly develop a technical plan to address gang violence.

VIDEO| Westbury has been experiencing gang-related shootings:

Westbury community leader, Jefferson Johnson, says this move is long overdue.

“I think the problem holistically lay with our community, that’s where the problem lies and I think when the SANDF comes in, they’ll be able to tramp on the toes of the mothers because that is where the major problem lies. You know I said this in the meeting yesterday; I also mentioned that the problem lies with our community. Based on all these Coloured areas, I think we need to call a spade a spade and that is to speak the truth with regards to your son and that is now what it’s going to bring that to the front with regards to your own son being on the wrong.”

Ramaphosa says the deployment of SANDF will also help to tackle illegal mining.

“Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development. Our primary focus this year is on stepping up the fight against organised crime and criminal syndicates, using technology, intelligence and integrated law enforcement.”… pic.twitter.com/e3H5lUCb1o

— The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) February 12, 2026

VIDEO| President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address:

Source link