SANDF to Cease Border Operations in 2009
According to the SANDF Head of Communications Siphiwe Dlamini, the SANDF would continue to provide support service at a request.
Speaking at a media briefing, Mr Dlamini said the decision to withdraw troops at border posts was taken at a higher level.
"It was decided that border control was better placed with the South African Police Service [SAPS].
"As the SANDF, we do not have arresting powers but we will continue to support the police in patrolling the borders," he said.
Currently, the SANDF and SAPS are jointly monitoring the country's borders. He indicated that the SANDF will continue with its partnership with the SAPS.
South Africa's border posts are Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana.
With regard to the staging of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, SANDF Chief of Joint Operations LT General Themba Matanzima assured soccer fans that the SANDF would be on standby to ensure safety of all soccer fans.
South Africa will host 2010 FIFA World Cup games at ten stadia in nine cities, in what is said to be a truly African world cup and the best FIFA World Cup ever.
LT General Matanzima indicated that should there be a need for establishing a Special Force; the SANDF would gladly support the idea.
"We are prepared to provide security for heads of states who will be visiting the country during the 2010 Soccer World Cup," he said.
The SANDF is currently supporting the police in terms of crime operations and force preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
LT General Matanzima said that the SAPS were playing a leading role in security issues pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"Should a request be made for a Reaction Force, the SANDF will assist," he said.
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23 Avril 2008 à 10:00 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
