By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, announced on Tuesday that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed in crime ridden areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng within 10 days. 

“I confirm that the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service and the chief of our army met yesterday to finalise the deployment plan, which will begin in the next 10 days” said Cachalia in his address. 

As South Africa sits with one of the world’s highest murder rates, as it averages 60 murders per day, the government intends to implement a series of strict measures in order to contain rampant crime in the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced the deployment of the SANDF in the State of the Nation Address last week Thursday and said that the army would be deployed in the Western Cape which holds the tourist hub known as Cape Town and Gauteng which holds the financial hub known as Johannesburg.

Cachalia also announced that the operation would also spread onto the Eastern Cape, which was also ravaged with gang activity and drug related crimes.

 “Organised crime is the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development.” said Ramaphosa.

There have been some concerns regarding this plan due to the fact that the SANDF is not trained to perform police duties, and another concern being that this plan may not be cost effective.

However, certain community members feel that this is a necessary measure to curb the gang violence specifically in the Cape Flats of Western Cape.

“The President’s speech recognised the well being and security of our people must be a core priority, upon which inclusive economic growth and the proper functioning of our democratic institutions depend” said Cachalia