SAPS and SANDF raids: 'The police are in charge'

While South Africa's Constitution does allow for the President to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) inside the country, including in support of police operations, there has been some backlash to the decision.

Deputy Minister of Defence, General Bantu Holomisa, explains how the deployment works.

"The directive issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa was that the defence will work and assist the police, so it's the police who will identify which hotspot areas need attention by both the police and the defence... the police are in charge."

In response to those criticising the operation, Holomisa says the process will not be rushed.

"They want to orientate or train the people who are going to be deployed, because the defence force is not trained in doing the police's job.

"After every day's deployment, there should be a debrief done at the command centre."

Holomisa has emphasised that the crackdown will need the criminal justice system to be ready to prosecute anyone who is arrested.

"The government must be seen to be acting, and taking steps against those who are breaking the law."

To listen to General Bantu Holomisa in conversation with CapeTalk and 702’s Mandy Wiener, use the audio player below: