Parliament, Monday, 20 March 2023 – The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Cyril Xaba and Mr Mamagase Nchabeleng, have noted the letter sent by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Parliament on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service, in cooperation with the South African Police Services (SAPS), for the prevention and combating of crime as well as maintenance and preservation of law and order in the country under Operation Prosper.
The SANDF has in the recent past proved essential in assisting various government departments during a time of need. This operation is also critical to ensure the prevention of acts of crime, protection of property and limb, as well as ensuring that the rule of law is respected and promoted.
The defence force stands ready to provide assistance to the police force when such assistance is required. “This must be the last time that threats of violence and intimidation are unleashed to the people. The presence of the security forces will ensure that people go about their daily lives free of fear and unhindered.” Mr Xaba said.
The President informed Parliament that the deployment of 3474 members of the SANDF effective from 17 March 2023 to 17 April 2023 will cost an estimated expenditure of R166. 5 million.
The committee has welcomed the intervention of the SANDF in areas of need and said due consideration will be given to the correspondence once it is referred to the committee
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR CYRIL XABA, AND MR MAMAGASE NCHABELENG
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