Eastern Cape Welcomes SANDF Deployment as Crime Crackdown Expands

Relief is rippling through parts of the Eastern Cape after President Cyril Ramaphosa expanded the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment to include the province. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed in Parliament that soldiers will be deployed within 10 days - not only to tackle gangsterism in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng, but now also to assist crime-stricken communities in Gqeberha’s northern areas. The announcement follows mounting pressure from residents and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane for urgent intervention. But what will the deployment actually look like on the ground - and can the country afford it? Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa speaks to Phemelo about what to expect.