'We're waiting on Mbeki'

2008-05-21 08:44

Erika Gibson

Johannesburg - The army was on standby on Tuesday to help combat violence in xenophobic hotspots in Gauteng, but can do nothing unless instructed by President Thabo Mbeki.

A meeting between representatives of the police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) ended without an agreement on Tuesday.

According to Beeld sources, an official request by the police to defence force chief General Godfrey Ngwenya was handed to the presidency on Monday afternoon.

Mbeki's spokesperson, Mukoni Ratshitanga, told Beeld's Abigail Isaacs shortly before the paper went to print that he had no knowledge of such a request.

Mbeki heading for Tanzania

Meanwhile, Mebki leaves on Wednesday morning for Tanzania for the first meeting of the African Union's committee of 12 heads of state, Sarel van der Walt reports. He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad.

Ratshitanga could not say on Tuesday afternoon who would stand in for Mbeki. He did, however, confirm that the acting president would have the authority to call in the army if necessary.

The meeting between police and the SANDF in Johannesburg on Tuesday came after police commanders had apparently pleaded with the defence force for help since the beginning of the week.

According to Beeld sources, police have not had enough resources - such as vehicles, weapons and patrols - at their disposal since the attacks began.

The deployment of the army could have begun on Wednesday, had the order been approved by the president.

Only the president, according to Article 201 of the Constitution, can authorise the army to work together with the police.

Show of force

Army units whose soldiers are deployed must get their orders from the defence force's joint operations centre.

According to informed sources, the army's planned actions will revolve around a show of force and military presence to make combating the violence easier for the police.

The police have requested planes, soldiers and armoured vehicles, among others.

- Beeld