Cachalia hasn’t ruled out deploying army in response to Cape Town violence

CAPE TOWN - Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has not ruled out the deployment of the army in Cape Town as a high-level response to gang violence.

Communities across the metro have appealed to government to deploy soldiers where gang battles continue unabated.

But police officials are reluctant to support this call.

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National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola argued that soldiers are not trained for civilian law enforcement.

"Remember, the police have pistols and they can defend themselves with gangs and they have rubber bullets. The army doesn't have rubber bullets, they have live ammunition, and they don't know policing. So, if you throw the army with stones, what do you expect them to do? Is it what you want?

Cachalia said the thought of deploying the army to gang hotspots has crossed his mind.

However, he said the idea will be put on ice for now and may be revisited if there's a need.

"So, I will keep an open mind on this. I have asked the question but for the time being, it is not an option that I'm considering. If I get to that point, I will have to have a conversation with the president because only the president can make that decision."