Ramaphosa approves deployment of 510 soldiers to KZN

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the deployment of just more than 500 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to help maintain law and order in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Ramaphosa authorised the deployment to support the police during anti-immigration protests in Durban and to prevent any potential flare-ups.

The deployment of the soldiers will come at a cost of R34 million and forms part of Operation Prosper.

Ramaphosa, as required by the Constitution, has informed Parliament in writing about the deployment of 510 SANDF members to KZN.

Their deployment is until 30 November in support of Operation Prosper, which is an ongoing joint security operation in different provinces.

Ramaphosa said the misinformation surrounding a court judgment led to violence during anti-immigration protests and members of the SANDF will be “on standby for any eventualities”.

Ramaphosa said the misinformation surrounding a court judgment led to violence during anti-immigration protests and members of the SANDF will be “on standby for any eventualities”.

The deployment notice to Parliament, dated 21 October, comes just over a week after one person was killed during protests in Durban.

SANDF members also reported to be already present in some parts of Durban.