Police and defence force crime plan welcomed

The minister of Safety and Security Nathi Mthethwa has announcement a new crime-busting strategy. Organised agriculture welcomed the move to use the police, military and intelligence services as a sign of government’s willingness to aggressively fight the high crime rate.
“In principle we welcome the ministers’ firm stand against crime,” said TAU SA deputy managing director Chris van Zyl.
As a former defence force general, Van Zyl said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) could be used to provide better border protection not only against criminals, but also to regulate uncontrolled movement of animals which could jeopardise the health and well-being of South African livestock.
Dr Johan Burger, senior researcher on crime, justice and politics at the Institute for Security Studies, said the concept is nothing new. “Between 1999 and 2000 the military was used for successful operations such as Operation Crack Down,” said Dr Burger. “Effectively, the air force would be used to transport police personnel to different parts of the country for road blocks and give air support there. In cases where the police have to do random searches and raids they would have the military acting as support.”
Unconfirmed sources say Mthethwa would like the army to take over the borders. “If the army takes over this task, as in other countries, this would mean we will have enough police officers to manage the streets,” added Dr Burger. – Peter Mashala