Finance · South Africa
Does Sending the Army Help Fight Crime in South Africa?
Moneyweb · 2026/02/23
Summary
South Africa has a history of using the army to help police fight violent crime. Many countries with high crime levels also rely on militarised policing to try and control violence. However, experts question whether this method really works in making communities safer. While soldiers can provide extra support during emergencies, militarised policing can sometimes increase tension and fear among citizens. This approach is often seen as a short-term solution rather than addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and unemployment. For South Africa, relying on the army to fight crime may not solve the problem but could lead to more challenges in the long run. Communities and officials need to find more effective and lasting ways to reduce crime and improve safety for everyone.
OnABudget takeaway: Sending the army to fight crime is a costly, temporary fix that won’t address the real economic issues causing crime. Investing in job creation and local policing can give better results for communities and small businesses.