In this file photo taken on Nov 3, 2022, South African police investigate at the scene where more than 20 bodies, suspected of being illegal miners, were found near an active mine in Krugersdorp, South Africa. (PHOTO / AP)

JOHANNESBURG - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 3,300 members of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) to collaborate with the police in preventing and combating crime while maintaining order, the Presidency announced Thursday.

The SANDF, working in conjunction with the police, will conduct an intensified anti-criminality operation against illegal mining across all provinces from Oct 28 until April 28, 2024, according to the Presidency's statement.

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The expected expenditure for this deployment amounts to over 492 million rand (about $27 million). The deployment of SANDF members comes as illegal mining activities and violent crimes are on the rise in the country.