The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has been informed that the SANDF will be deploying soldiers to the Western Cape from Friday.
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of the military to assist police in quelling tensions in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde said: “I welcome this proactive step, which we believe is necessary 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.”
“This is not a cause for concern and shows proactivity in the response. I have complete faith in the Western Cape police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, who is in command, and will continue to liaise closely with him and other stakeholders so that we keep the Western Cape safe.”
Community Safety, MEC Albert Fritz said that according to the latest report, there have been no incidents of looting or public violence across the Western Cape,
1/3 I welcome this proactive step, which we believe is necessary given the unrest seen in some parts of the country. [Thread]
Statement: https://t.co/M6Enautem0 pic.twitter.com/GIKSGpEDeC
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) July 16, 2021