Zuma calls in army, where needed

2012-09-20 13:10

SANDF soldiers (File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - The SA National Defence Force has officially been deployed domestically from 14 September until next year in Marikana "and other areas of the country where needed", the presidency said on Thursday.

The presidency said in a short statement that the soldiers would be deployed to support the police "in the prevention and combating of crime as well as the maintenance of law and order in the Marikana area, North West province and other areas around the country where needed."

Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj did not specify, other than Marikana, where the military would be deployed to, except to say they would go to areas where they are needed to combat crime.

He said Cape Town, where the military were deployed last year, was one of the areas under consideration.

"It's based on the pattern of crime incidents in the festive season period," Maharaj said.

The deployment to Marikana was needed because "there had been some problems too" in the area.

"The police have had to attend to it. Wherever they need to have support [from SANDF], that support will remain available," Maharaj said.

He emphasised that while the military would support police, "the primary function would remain in the hands of the police".

The deployment would last from 14 September until 31 January 2013.

- SAPA