STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) HEADQUARTERS PRETORIA: SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE SUPPORT TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE DURING OPERATION PROSPER

Date: Friday 22 May 2008
Embargo: None

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, has authorised the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to deploy in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), to assist in the maintenance of law and order in Gauteng, or elsewhere as authorised.

This comes after the Minister of Safety and Security submitted an urgent request to the Minister of Defence concerning SANDF support to the SAPS, to assist in bringing the unacceptable situation of attacks aimed at foreigners, and other actions such as arson and the looting of property to order.

The role of the SANDF will be in line with the SAPS concept of operations, and entails helicopter trooping to deliver SAPS intervention policemen to identified “hot spots”. The SANDF will also support the SAPS in conducting cordon and search, and foot and vehicle operations.

The President authorised the deployment of Regular Force and Reserve Force SANDF members in terms of Sections 52 and 53 of the Defence Act, for service in co-operation with SAPS in the prevention and combating of crime and the maintenance and preservation of law and order in South Africa.
The mandate of the DOD is to provide effective defence for a democratic South Africa. Under the current circumstances, it is executed by providing defence capabilities to achieve the objective of defending and protecting the people of South Africa.

Ends.

Issued by : Department of Defence
Private Bag X161
Pretoria
0001

Enquiries: Brigadier General Kwena Mangope
Telephone: (012) 355 6302 or 072 538 6888