CAPE TOWN, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday extended the deployment of troops in gang-infested communities in and around Cape Town.
The extension, which lasts until March 31 next year, came into immediate effect on Monday, the Presidency said.
Members of the regular and reserve forces of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will undertake operations in cooperation with the police, and will support the prevention and combating of crime and maintenance and preservation of law and order in the areas where gangs have spiralled out of control, presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko said.
The president has, in compliance with the Constitution, informed National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo of the extended deployment of armed forces, said Diko.
Ramaphosa commends all the law enforcement agencies for the work done thus far and further extends his appreciation to the affected communities for supporting the work of the various security and law enforcement agencies in stamping out criminality and bringing about stability in the affected areas of the province, Diko said.
Ramaphosa authorized the original deployment of the SANDF in July 2019 for a two-month period ending on Monday to help quell rising gang violence which claims lives every week.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde requested the extension last week. He said troops had played a key role in anti-gang operations so far, particularly in providing support to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement operations.
