Independent Newspapers
(File image) Western Cape Premier and DA leader Helen Zille. Photo: Leon Lestrade
Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma wants an assessment of the gang situation in Lavender Hill and Hanover Park on the Cape Flats, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille said on Tuesday.
He had asked the ministers of defence and military veterans, and police, to give him a report on the situation there before making a decision on her request to call in the troops, she said in a statement.
“While I acknowledge that it would be prudent for the president to consult with the ministers, the situation in the affected areas has reached crisis levels and we cannot afford undue delays if we are to prevent the further loss of innocent lives,” Zille said.
In a letter to the presidency last week, Zille asked Zuma to deploy soldiers to gang-ridden areas.
She asked for troops to be sent at once to Lavender Hill and Hanover Park, where there had been a “serious spike” in gang-related deaths.
At least 23 people, including seven children, had died in recent months.
In her letter, Zille said the deployment of the South African National Defence Force in gang hotspots over December had markedly improved safety levels.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula were sent copies of the letter. – Sapa
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