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Ramaphosa deploys more than 500 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the soldiers will support police during anti-illegal immigration protests that have included car burnings, looting and the beating to death of a foreign national. He said the province's leadership asked for the army.

Ramaphosa spoke to the media during ANC campaign duties. He said the government is concerned by recent developments in the province. The protests have taken place in places including the Durban CBD.

Ramaphosa said the soldiers will not take over from the police. In his words: "It's not the army coming here to replace the police. They are here as a supportive element to the work that's being done by the police."

The deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members is set to run until 31 November, according to the date given in the reports.

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); South African National Defence Force (deploying force (SANDF)); Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (host of the 170th Annual Gala Dinner); Angie Motshekga (Defence Minister)
What
Ramaphosa said he decided to deploy the army to KwaZulu-Natal at the request of the provincial leadership, to support police amid anti-illegal immigration protests that have included car burnings, looting and a foreign national being beaten to death. The deployment runs until 31 November according to the article.
When
28 October 2026
Where
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban CBD, eThekwini
Status
Reported

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