President Cyril Ramaphosa says the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) is expected to significantly reduce serious and violent crime in targeted areas affected by gangsterism and illicit mining. Ramaphosa was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday this week , following a question about the measurable outcomes and public safety improvements expected from the deployment. President Ramaphosa said the SANDF will act as a "force multiplier" to support police operations aimed at tackling gang violence in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng, as well as illegal mining activities in Gauteng and the North West. Some support the move while others have warned that soldiers on the streets risk escalating conflict.. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  SABC News Acting Parliament Editor Lulama Matya, Dakota Legoete, Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans , Andy Mashaile - Security Expert and  Charis Pretorius, community activist  from Eldorado Park