PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 510 soldiers to KZN to support police following violent anti-immigrant protests linked to misinformation about a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum seekers.
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According to a statement released by the South African Government on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members will assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) under Operation Prosper.
The soldiers will help maintain law and order and remain on standby to assist police if further violence breaks out.
Durban protest violence
The deployment follows unrest in Durban on 8 October, when protests linked to the court ruling turned violent.
Cars were torched, foreign-owned shops were looted, and people were chased away from businesses. Reports said 14 vehicles were set alight in Durban during the unrest.
The violence was linked to claims that a Constitutional Court ruling had given undocumented foreign nationals automatic permission to stay in South Africa.
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However, the ruling didn’t automatically grant anyone refugee status or permanent residence. It removed certain procedural barriers that could prevent people from applying for asylum and having their cases properly considered.
Home Affairs later withdrew its directive on implementing the ruling after refugee reception offices were overwhelmed by people seeking to apply for asylum. The department said it would work on a new approach to comply with the court order.
The unrest came amid growing anti-immigrant demonstrations, with some protests turning violent and resulting in looting and damage to property.
SANDF deployment until 30 November
According to the government statement, the deployment is authorised under Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution.
The soldiers’ deployment period runs from 9 October to 30 November 2026, at an estimated cost of R34 082 720.
Ramaphosa informed National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces chairwoman Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane of his decision.
The deployment is intended to strengthen police operations and help prevent further violence in KZN.
