Parliament, Wednesday, 25 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans today engaged with leading academic experts in national security, military strategy and military sociology from the University of Stellenbosch (SU)and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA). This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address that soldiers would be deployed domestically to support the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The committee held discussions with Dr Sandy Africa from MISTRA; Associate Professor Abel Esterhuyse in the SU Faculty of Military Science and SU Sociology Professor Lindy.
The academics said that while the deployment may present a short-term response to high levels of violent crime, it is also a sign that the police are struggling to fully carry out their mandate. They cautioned that long-term military deployments inside South Africa carry serious risks. They warned that history shows how domestic military deployments can become politicised and that bringing soldiers into routine policing environments shifts focus away from its core responsibility, which is defending territorial integrity.
The academics also raised concerns about the rules governing the use of force. They said soldiers are trained for combat situations, not civilian policing. Clear guidance is needed on when and how deadly force may be used, especially in communities where civilians may not respond to commands in the same way as in military operations. Should there be an increase in the use of the SANDF for internal functions, a permanent decision on the structuring of such deployments and training of units is required.
Committee Chairperson Mr Dakota Legoete said South Africa’s high murder rate demands decisive action but warned he against relying on soldiers as a permanent solution. “We are losing between 26,000 and 30,000 people to murder every year. That is a crisis that cannot be ignored. But the army is not a long-term answer to crime. Soldiers must be deployed for a limited period, under strict oversight and with clear rules. We must avoid a situation where the military becomes part of day-to-day political solutions or is used as an intimidating force against our own people.”
Mr Legoete said the state also carries legal risk when deploying soldiers internally. “We are a constitutional democracy. The state can be taken to court for wrongful arrests or wrongful operations. That is why deployments must be carefully planned, trained for and professionally executed.”
The committee further noted concerns that once soldiers withdraw, criminal gangs and syndicates may quickly return to affected areas, if deeper structural problems are not addressed.
The committee will continue its oversight work to ensure that any deployment of soldiers is lawful, proportionate, in the best interests of the country and is not seen as a prolonged replacement of policing capabilities.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, MR DAKOTA LEGOETE.
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