DA backs SANDF deployment to gang hotspots, warns against relying on troops for long-term safety

The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the deployment of the Defence Force to help stabilise areas plagued by gangsterism in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

However, the party warns this is not a strategy to dismantle drug networks, build racketeering cases, or secure convictions.

DA MP Lisa Schickerling says the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) cannot replace the investigative and intelligence functions of the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday night that he has ordered the deployment of troops to support the police in dealing with gangs. This is the second time troops have been deployed to deal with gangsterism in the Western Cape since 2019.

"Short-term deployments may calm hotspots, but only structural reform will make communities truly safe," said Schickerling.

Schickerling says the deployment of the army has only become necessary because the SAPS is not up to the task.

The DA is still pushing for policing powers to be devolved to the provinces – in particular to allow the City of Cape Town to beef up its law enforcement capacity.

"Where capable metros like the City of Cape Town have proven capacity, their policing powers must be expanded within the constitution to multiply crime-fighting impact," Schickerling added.