Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to assist the police in combating crime and maintaining law and order, particularly at Eskom power stations.
This extension involves 746 SANDF members under Operation Prosper, tasked with protecting critical infrastructure in the energy sector from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, at an estimated cost of R203.9 million.
“Members of the SANDF deployed will, in co-operation with the SAPS, continue to protect and safeguard national key points and critical infrastructure in the energy sector (Eskom power stations) under Operation Prosper [from] April 1 2024 until March 31 2025,” Times Live quoted Ramaphosa as saying.
Initially deployed in December 2022 to safeguard against sabotage, theft, and other crimes threatening electricity supply, the SANDF’s presence at Eskom facilities continues due to ongoing security concerns.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed the SANDF to four Eskom power stations plagued by incidents of sabotage and unplanned trips. They are Tutuka, Majuba, Camden and Grootvlei . @govanwhittles reports.
Watch: https://t.co/4E7xitCpj0#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/UXK4edPH8l
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 18, 2022
Additionally, Ramaphosa extended the deployment of 2,300 army members to prevent and combat illegal mining from April 29 to October 31, 2024, with a cost estimated at R349.9 million.
Previously, 2 700 members of the SANDF were employed to assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations under Operation Prosper from 17 March 2023 to 17 April 2023.
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Source: AFP
Picture: SAgovnews
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