Calls Intensify For Sandf Soldiers To Be Deployed To Cape Flats

The Cape Flats Safety Forum has repeated its call for the deployment of soldiers to assist in tackling the ongoing gang and gun violence in the Western Cape , despite opposition from the Provincial Police Commissioner.

The renewed call comes after Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile stated that there was no immediate need for military intervention, asserting that the police were in control of the situation.

The Forums chairperson Albie Isaacs elaborates on the need for the deployment of the army.

Our call has not been for the last month, that as the Cape Flats Safety Forum. Weve been calling for the South African Defence Force SANDF as a force multiplier to the South African Police Services SAPS. We made that call last year. Just over this period, human rights month, weve made that call, weve subsequently seen an increase as the provincial commissioner just last week indicated theres no need for the Defence force.

Again, this weekend, blood was spilling in and around the streets of the Cape Flats, people shooting openly in parking spaces, where our kids need to play. Again, we are saying that there is an urgent need for the South African Defence Force to be a force multiplier, adds Iscaacs.