South African military to deploy 25,000 soldiers to deal with looting and riots South Africa is increasing by tenfold the number of troops deployed to combat widespread violence sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. 15 July 2021 South Africa is deploying up to 25,000 soldiers in two provinces where security forces are struggling to quell looting, arson and violence. A military surge of that size would increase tenfold the number of soldiers deployed in the hotspots of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, where the police and army have been battling unrest for days. "We have now submitted a request for deployment of 25,000 members," Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said.