SANDF deploys soldiers in KZN, Gauteng to assist police in quelling violence
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the deployment of soldiers to violence-torn KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain on tenterhooks as rioters continue to loot stores and damage property in the two provinces.
The soldiers will assist law enforcement in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to quell the unrest that has gripped both provinces in the last few days.
SANDF spokesperson Mafi Mgobozi says they will start work immediately.
“As I am talking to you now I can confirm that we have deployed our members they are on the ground now in KZN and Gauteng. They are already on the streets now. The SANDF deployed its members in support of the South African police, they are going to be working in close cooperation with the police.
“It will be difficult to say exactly where they are deployed, that will depend on the intelligence of the police and where they want our soldiers. Our soldiers are there to support the police, it is not our operation but we have deployed them they are on the ground in KZN and even in Gauteng.”
Mgobozi says the duration and number of deployed soldiers will be determined based on the assessment of the situation.
“It must be emphasised that the SANDF`s deployment objective is to provide safety and a safe working environment for members of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies whilst they carry out their constitutionally mandated law and order duties.”
