The SANDF has deployed soldiers across all areas affected by the recent unrest and looting, including in the Northern Cape, to assist the SAPS.
THE SANDF will remain deployed in the Northern Cape to monitor and control any acts of lawlessness, following countrywide incidents of riots and looting last week.
Members of the military were visible at shopping malls in the city this week.
The head of communication at the Department of Defence, Siphiwe Dlamini, said the SANDF had deployed sufficient numbers of soldiers across all affected areas, including the Northern Cape Province, to assist the SAPS.
“The SANDF troop deployment is based on operational analysis and requirements, as received from the SAPS as the leading authority under ‘Operation Prosper’,” said Dlamini.
He said that members of the SANDF offered support to the police and did not have the mandate to execute arrests.
“However, they may do so where Schedule 1 offence(s) occur and must hand over the suspect(s) to the SAPS as soon as possible in instances where the SAPS members are not present during such an arrest.”
Dlamini stated that “Operation Prosper” had succeeded in quelling the civil unrest and has boosted the prevalence of law and order across all affected areas.
“The operation will remain in force until such time that the relevant law enforcement authorities or government principals cease the operation or a military command instruction to return to barracks is issued.”
