The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will deploy a company of soldiers to the Western Cape on Friday, July 16. The SANDF’s deployment comes after the South African Police Service battles to maintain law and order in the country.
According to a statement by the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, this is a necessary proactive step given the unrest seen in some parts of the country.
“It is important that the SAPS get as much support as possible during this unprecedented time so that they can respond quickly to incidents and maintain the calm that we have seen to date,” Winde said.
He further mentions that the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Patekile will remain in command and will continue to communicate with other authorities to maintain order in the Western Cape.
The MEC of Community Safety, Albert Fritz added that although there have been no reports of any looting incidents in the province, his department is satisfied that there is thorough planning and that steps are being taken by the SAPS.
“I encourage our residents to remain calm, to reject violence and to respect the rule of law. If you do have any information that relates to potential criminal activity, please report it directly to the SAPS,” Fritz reiterated.
The deployment of the SANDF will be widely accepted as the ongoing taxi violence has already claimed the lives of 80 people since the beginning of the year.
In the latest taxi-related shooting, three people were fatally wounded while travelling by taxi in Harare, Khayelitsha on Thursday, July 15.
Meanwhile in Khayelitsha, Harare taxi driver shooting continues. 3 people who were on the taxi were shot dead. A man and 2 old women, eye witnesses said the taxi driver and other passangers managed to escape .
#apology #TaxiViolence #CyrilMustResign #LootingForZuma pic.twitter.com/R9nKJMHV11— Kurb_Kirby (@m_spello) July 15, 2021
Police spokesperson, Andre Traut, indicated that a 5-month-old baby was also wounded in the shooting. Police are yet to make an arrest and encourages anyone who can shed light on this ruthless attack on commuters to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, Transport minister Fikile Mbalula and the Western Cape government held a meeting with the taxi industry to discuss a way forward regarding taxi violence in the province.
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Picture: Cape {town} etc gallery