Army to be deployed in April - MEC Marais

The Western Cape Government says it expects the army deployment in the province to start in April. The province will have soldiers deployed in areas that have levels of gang-related violence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

COURTESY: SAPS

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais emphasised that while increased visibility of law enforcement is important in stabilising communities, this deployment must go far beyond a show of force.

‘’This intervention must be collaborative, intelligence-led, data-driven, and operationally focused. We need coordinated plans that will actively dismantle criminal networks, gangs, and extortion groupings that continue to terrorise our communities. Equally as important is the need to include all local law enforcement structures to ensure a fully coordinated approach to break the back of organised crime and gangs.”

Marais further called on SAPS to fully utilise this opportunity to ensure that operations lead not only to arrests but also to successful prosecutions.

‘’We must ensure that those responsible for violence, extortion, and organised crime are removed from our communities permanently through effective investigation and prosecution,’’ she added.

Western Cape police said as part of preparations for the much-anticipated deployment of the SANDF to identified hotspots in Cape Town, a select contingent of SAPS officials with SANDF members are conducting an operational scanning exercise.

‘’The exercise which should not be mistaken for the actual commencement of deployment of the SANDF, comprises air and ground presence of limited forces at various identified locations. The operational exercise currently underway is essential preparation for the integrated forces ahead of the actual deployment. Members of the public are urged to respect the operational space these forces require and refrain from speculating about their presence in the targeted areas,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Marais also urged residents across the Western Cape to play an active role in supporting law enforcement efforts.

‘’Our communities are critical partners in the fight against crime. We urge residents to come forward with information. To report where illegal firearms are being hidden, identify those responsible for shootings, and point out drug and gang houses, and other criminal activities. This information is vital in ensuring that operations target the root of criminal networks.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George