Political situation in South Africa

South Africa deploys military to combat gang violence

South Africa is deploying the military to the streets of Johannesburg to help police in the fight against organized crime, several media outlets report.

The country plans to deploy the military in five of the country's nine provinces. President Cyril Ramaphosa describes the decision as a "necessary measure due to the increase in violent organized crime," writes AP.

In South Africa, an average of 64 people are estimated to die every day as a result of deadly violence, reports Deutsche Welle. The deployment of the military accelerated on Wednesday and does not only apply to Johannesburg. 550 soldiers have been sent to Gauteng province to combat illegal mining.

While some believe that the military is necessary to combat gang violence, others believe that the military is not intended for police work, writes DW.

Residents fear violence: Don't know when the next shooting will happen

South Africa's deployment of the military in Johannesburg to combat organized crime is being met with both joy and criticism, writes AP.

One resident tells the news agency that she supports the crackdown because she hears gunfire practically every night.

- At the moment I feel insecure because we don't know when the next shooting will take place or who the target is, says another resident.

At the same time, graffiti has been seen condemning the military's presence. "No to guns, pray for our community," reads one wall.

How long the military's presence in the city will last is unclear. The country plans to deploy the military in five of its nine provinces and the operations could last up to a year.