Speculation that a large number of air force helicopters seen taking off from King Shaka International Airport this morning indicates that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is mobilising against the madness and mayhem in KwaZulu-Natal, has been confirmed.
In a statement circulated by the Transit Assistance Bureau, the SANDF says it has “commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints)”.
The intervention by military personnel has been ordered to assist law enforcement agencies deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal respectively to quell the unrest that has gripped both provinces in the last few days, the statement adds.
It explains that the duration and number of deploying soldiers will be based on the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
“It must be emphasised that the SANDF’s deployment objective is to provide safety and a safe working environment for members of the SA Police Service and other law enforcement agencies whilst they carry out their Constitutionally mandated law and order duties,” the statement concludes.
