Gang violence: Forget about army, Mthethwa says

2012-07-11 22:24

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says "people should stop politicking" and forget about the army helping to fight gang violence in Cape Town as they don't have the equipment police have. (File, Beeld)

Johannesburg - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has said the army does not have the equipment to fight gangsterism in Cape Town, according to an SABC television report.

"The army doesn't have the equipment the police have: it doesn't have rubber bullets, it doesn't have water cannons," he told the broadcaster during a visit to Lavender Hill and Hanover Park.

"They have live ammunition... People should stop politicking... People are dying here and the police are trying their best to ensure we strenghthen our investigative capacity... Forget about the army, really."

Mthethwa was accompanied on the visit by provincial police commissioner Arno Lamoer.

At least 23 people, including seven children, have died in the area as a result of gang violence in recent months.

Premier Helen Zille wrote a letter to President Jacob Zuma on Monday asking for the army to be deployed to Lavender Hill and Hanover Park.

Mthethwa and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula were sent copies of the letter.

- SAPA