Ramaphosa sends 510 soldiers to KZN over false asylum claims
DURBAN — President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal following violence the Presidency links to misinformation about an asylum judgment, including claims that it grants blanket amnesty to undocumented foreign nationals. Government has rejected that interpretation, while bringing in military support to help police maintain order.
The South African National Defence Force deployment falls under Operation Prosper and is expected to cost R34.08 million. Although announced on 27 October, the authorised period runs from 9 October until 30 November, according to the Presidency.
Military support for police
Ramaphosa informed National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane of the decision. The Presidency said troops would assist the South African Police Service and remain available to respond to further incidents during the deployment.
The announcement follows anti-immigration protests in Durban that have involved looting, vehicles being set alight and a death, according to reporting by the Mercury. The violence has brought consequences for people and businesses beyond the dispute over immigration policy. iol.co.za
False claims surrounding the judgment
As reported that police arrested 30 suspects earlier this month in connection with public violence and unlawful protests, including 25 in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng. The unrest followed claims that the Constitutional Court’s ruling on asylum applications provided blanket amnesty, which government has disputed.
The Presidency’s announcement does not identify the neighbourhoods where soldiers will operate or provide a detailed deployment schedule. It sets out a police-support role, with the military authorisation due to expire on 30 November.
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