South Africa deploys the army to curb crime; SAPS and provincial cops brace for a tense year. SAPS: national police force with 1,154 stations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 550 soldiers across five provinces to combat organized crime, gang violence, and illegal mining. The move follows rising homicide rates and public concern, marking a significant escalation in efforts to restore law and order in South Africa. The deployment is set to last until March 2027.
U.S. Ambassador Leo Bozell's controversial remarks about South Africa's courts and policies have led to his summoning by South African officials. The incident underscores worsening diplomatic relations amid disputes over racial policies, judicial independence, and perceived interference, with ongoing tensions over the country's stance on Iran and domestic laws.
A major public inquiry into the UK’s healthcare response during COVID-19 concludes the NHS was ill-prepared, overstretched, and in a precarious state after a decade of austerity. It highlights staffing shortages, limited hospital capacity, and the impact of government decisions, calling for urgent reforms to better prepare for future crises.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, urging that xenophobic violence in South Africa be declared a grave violation of rights. At the same time, rights groups warn of escalating vigilante violence against migrants, while courts and authorities face scrutiny over protection gaps.