South Africa deploys army to fight illegal mining

South Africa has authorized the deployment of thousands of soldiers to work in collaboration with the police in fighting crime and illegal mining, the presidency said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office in a statement late Thursday said he authorized the deployment of 3,300 members of the South African National Defense Force, in cooperation with the South African Police Service, to prevent and combat crime and maintain and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper.

The operation, which commenced on Oct. 28, will run until April 28, 2024.