Army could help with gang crisis

2012-08-02 08:06

SANDF soldiers (File, Sapa)

Cape Town - The South African National Defence Force has got the go-ahead to help police restore peace and security to the conflict-ridden areas on the Cape Flats and in Port Elizabeth.

The Cape Argus reported that the army would be deployed following Western Cape Premier Helen Zille's written plea to President Jacob Zuma.

The Herald newspaper in Port Elizabeth reported on Wednesday that soldiers would also be sent to gang hotspots in the Eastern Cape city.

The PE newspaper said it had seen a national order sent by National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure chairperson Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela to both the provinces police commissioners instructing them to form a committee to deal with the gang crisis.

The order details the roles of the SANDF as well as that of other departments.

Zille apparently told Zuma that the situation had reached “crisis levels” and that “we cannot afford undue delays if we are to prevent the further loss of innocent lives”.

Ministers had apparently met on the gang problem and had reported to the president.

The army deployment would reportedly focus on “stability operations” like roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, enhanced crime prevention and support for police officers.

There was no comment from the police on the issue.

- News24