A general view of a soldier of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) manning a 24-hour roadblock on the N2 near Khayelitsha on Day 21 of the National Lockdown on 16 April 2020 in Cape Town – Photo by Gallo Images / Roger Sedres
A general view of a soldier of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) manning a 24-hour roadblock on the N2 near Khayelitsha on Day 21 of the National Lockdown on 16 April 2020 in Cape Town – Photo by Gallo Images / Roger Sedres
Several sources now claim that Cyril Ramaphosa is mulling over an option to send SANDF into South Africa’s most troubled crime hot-spots. This, in a bid to quell rising tensions across the country. The president is said to be considering an army deployment, due to a growing threat of ‘unrest’.
Will SANDF be asked to fight crime in South Africa?
It would certainly be a dramatic and controversial move by the ANC leader. Famously, SANDF were ordered to marshal the enforcement of lockdown laws in South Africa, back in 2020. It didn’t go well. In fact, dozens of claims of brutality were raised against soldiers at the time.
However, the situation confronting South Africans right now is a completely different one. An explosion of violent and heinous criminal acts have pushed certain communities over the edge. Protests have been rife in poverty-stricken communities – and things may only get worse.
Army deployment ‘possible’ – but Cyril will make final call
It emerged on Sunday night that President Ramaphosa would have to inform Parliament, before going ahead with any possible deployment. Around 200 soldiers are said to be amongst the first cohort who might be ordered to restore law and order to crime-ridden settlements.
One senior military source has been quoted as saying that SANDF will now ‘go on 24-hour standby‘ – in anticipation of further unrest. More details need to be verified, but it’s understood that these proposals would only require a signature from Ramaphosa to become official legislation.
Unrest threats and SANDF on standby: How did we get here?
Tavern shootings, gang rapes, and violent protests have all made this winter a thoroughly discontented one for South Africa. Barely a year after unrest claimed HUNDREDS of lives in KwaZulu-Natal, Mzansi finds itself braced for a return to square one.
BREAKING NEWS: The SA government is reportedly considering deploying SANDF into crime hotspots and riots likely areas. 200 personnel have been put on notice. Allegedly only Cyril Ramaphosa's signature is required and presentation to the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/rY6taNJbxz
— THE TRUTH PANTHER (@SANDILE_PANTHER) August 7, 2022
