On Standby

South Africa/Zuma: Police and army on high alert as ministers play down risk of violence

By Carien du Plessis

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Posted on December 17, 2021 07:37

Former South African President Jacob Zuma speaks with his legal counsel in court during his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg
Former South African President Jacob Zuma speaks with his legal counsel in court during his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, October 26, 2021. Jerome Delay/Pool via REUTERS

With the news that Jacob Zuma may be forced to return to jail come concerns that South Africa could be plunged into the same violence. Though ministers say it is under control, the security services are stepping up their vigilance.

Supporters of former President Jacob Zuma have threatened violence worse than the deadly riots in July should he be forced back into prison. A court overturned his medical parole on Wednesday, but security cluster ministers have downplayed the threat.

Deployment directive

Shortly after the judgement on Wednesday, the joint special operations of the police and military issued a directive for members to be ready to deploy at 25 hours notice.

South African National Defence Forces have also been ordered to be “combat ready and on standby for deployment” to protect national key points and infrastructure, as well as to assist in roadblocks and patrols.

However, Police Minister Bheki Cele said this state of readiness is normal for the festive season, although police want to be ‘extra agile this time’, while Defence Minister Thandi Modise told the same press conference on Thursday morning that

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