By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 8pm on Monday following violent scenes in provinces across the country, acting minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has confirmed.
The address follows the announcement by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that it has commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS).
The request entails SANDF support for police operations in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
“In terms of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution, the President may authorise the deployment of the national defence force, in cooperation with the police service and must inform Parliament of such employment, “the Presidency said.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa was on record calling for calm and warning criminal elements that they will face the full might of law as lawlessness is brought to an end and economic activity is allowed to continue.
“The majority of South Africans do not and should not tolerate violence, the destruction of property and the endangering of livelihoods. People are urged to report criminals by sharing videos of criminal activity with the police.”
The Presidency urged the public to pay attention to what they post on social media and to be aware that the sharing of fake news or content that incites violence and looting is a crime.
“It is also a crime to possess, receive and use stolen goods, or to interfere with the police in their execution of their duties, “the President’s office said.
Meanwhile the NatJOINTS has intensified deployments in all Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal areas affected by the violent protests that have seen properties damaged and looted over the weekend.
The committee comprises SAPS Crime Intelligence, Defence Intelligence, as well as State Security Intelligence.
NatJOINTS spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili, said Gauteng police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four people since the break out of violent protests.
“On Sunday morning, the police responded to a call from Alexandra Clinic, where they found a body with gunshot wounds. Later that day, the body of a security guard with assault wounds was found at Jeppestown.
“The third body was discovered also on Sunday in the evening in Dobsonville, while the fourth body was discovered with gunshot wounds in Germiston. The cause of death for the security guard and as well as the body found in Dobsonville is part of investigations, “she said.
In KwaZulu-Natal, there were reports of two people who have been killed in Inanda and Umbilo.
The circumstances leading to their deaths is under investigation, said Muridili.
The extent of damage to property and the looting of businesses will be determined at a later stage.
NatJOINTS said it is working around the clock to enhance operational capacity at provincial level in response to incidents in which people appear to be undermining the authority of the State, including the flouting of the Disaster Management Act (DMA) Regulations.