In his state of the nation address on Thursday (12/2) evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the army would be deployed to support police in dealing with gang-related crimes and illegal mining.

Children in the Western Cape are caught in the crossfire of gang wars, while in Kagiso, Gauteng, residents are being driven out of their homes by illegal miners, he said. He also raised concerns about gender-based violence and criminality disrupting economic activity.

“Building sites are shut down by criminals, and buildings are shut down by criminals. I have directed the minister of police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan on where our security forces should be deployed within the next few days in the Western Cape and Gauteng to deal with gang violence and illegal mining.”

Malema welcomed the intervention but said the president failed to admit the police have lost control. “Gangsterism has taken over the streets of our townships, and that is a confirmation the Saps has dismally failed.

“The president is just scared to say they’ve lost confidence in the Saps, hence the army, and we are happy the army is coming. We are going to restore law and order.”

UDM leader and deputy defence minister Bantu Holomisa also welcomed the decision and thanked the government of national unity for prioritising the country’s security. “I’m also happy the president’s plan was discussed thoroughly towards the end of last year and this year in our lekgotla.

“The onus now is on the ministries’ different departments to sit down and start implementing that plan. As for the soldiers, the department of defence is already planning to roll out to do their work as per instructions by the president.

“Within two weeks I’m sure we will deploy troops working with police and making sure the orders of the president are carried out,” said Holomisa. He also called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and not to resist security operations.

Ramaphosa said he would inform the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces about the timing, locations, and cost implications of the SANDF deployment.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg