Pretoria - Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have hit the ground running as they helped police to conduct raids at hostels in Jeppestown in the Johannesburg CBD last night.
Police say 11 people were arrested during the raid, which also uncovered dagga and stolen goods.
National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega, who was also present during the raids, welcomed the support of the SANDF in the crime prevention operation.
She said the presence of the army was a force multiplier. More raids are expected in the identified hotspots, according to police.
During these operations, police say the army will secure the outer perimeter of the identified hotspots, while the police conduct searches within.
The raids follow the announcement by Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Tuesday that the army would support the police at identified violent hotspots.
The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke, convened an urgent meeting of the Military Command to discuss the continued attacks on foreign nationals and the effect of such violence on national security and stability.
The SANDF committed to provide the necessary support to the SA Police Service whenever and wherever they deem it necessary.
“The Military Command of the SANDF wants to send a very strong message to those involved in these acts of violence and other criminal activities to desist from such acts.
“The Military Command wants to assure both the people of South Africa and foreign nationals that the SANDF will not stand by and watch while innocent lives are being threatened,” SANDF spokesperson Xolani Mabanga said. – SAnews.gov.za
