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FILE | SANDF soldiers on patrol
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the province is ready to receive members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
He says their deployment to the province is a decisive and necessary intervention in light of the growing threat of illegal mining activities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of soldiers to Gauteng and the Western Cape in the state of the nation address on Thursday.
The soldiers will support police in fighting crime, including gang violence and illegal mining.
Provincial government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says, “Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities in Gauteng, exploits vulnerable people and causes extensive environmental damage. The deployment of the soldiers to assist the police demonstrates the government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities.”
SANDF to help SAPS fight gangs in two provinces: Ramaphosa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhAt7ftIQ54
Gun violence
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has also welcomed the deployment of the SANDF to gang-ridden areas in the province, to assist the police in clamping down on rampant gun violence.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that police and the National Defence Force must rapidly develop a technical plan to address gang violence.
Winde says the deployment is a short-term reprieve and more must be done to bolster policing capacity.
