DA welcomes SANDF deployment date while warning of resource gaps

By Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed confirmation of the commencement date for the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops to crime-hit communities in the Western Cape.

Security cluster ministers told parliament on Friday that soldiers will arrive in the province from the first of next month and will support police operations in areas plagued by violence.

Communities in Cape Town continue to face daily killings and injuries, some of which are linked to gang-related mass shootings.

Police have rejected claims that the deployment signals failure, despite criticism following the announcement in this year’s state of the nation address.

The DA says it backs the intervention but warns serious gaps remain and require urgent oversight.

The party’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP) member on security and justice, Nicholas Gotsell.

 "Oversight over the R823 million, basic resources like narcotics detection dogs, vehicles for SAPS, and the vetting of private security is non-negotiable. This deployment must save lives; it must not become another budget scam. Every rand, every weapon and every resource must be accounted for."