The Role of the South African National Defence Force in Crime Prevention

When I served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during my National Service, the clear delineation of duties was established. It was emphasized that the primary responsibility for maintaining civil order and fighting crime lay with the police, while the SANDF was trained to defend against external threats and protect critical infrastructure. This distinction was based on historical and operational principles that continue to hold validity today.

Historical Context and Current Doctrine

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was established following the end of apartheid to reflect transformative principles and to primarily defend South Africa against external threats. The military has been historically involved in internal security duties, a practice that has diminished over the years due to constitutional and legal changes. These changes have reinforced the importance of separating internal security functions from the military to ensure that civilian rule prevailed, especially in matters of law enforcement.

Civil Order vs. National Security

It is essential to recognize the significant difference between civil order and national security. Civil order refers to the maintenance of public peace, law enforcement, and the protection against any kind of civil unrest. In contrast, national security is concerned with defending borders, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state against external threats. The role of the SANDF is clearly defined within the Constitution of South Africa, which outlines the primary responsibility for maintaining civil order and fighting crime as belonging to the police.

The Doctrine of the SANDF

The doctrine of the SANDF is rooted in the principles of defence, disengagement from non-military operations, and respect for civilian control. This means that military units are not supposed to engage in law enforcement activities unless absolutely necessary and in a manner consistent with legal and constitutional requirements. The SANDF's involvement in crime prevention or law enforcement is rare and typically limited to crowd control or security during national events and public emergencies.

The Role of the Police

The police, in contrast, are trained and equipped specifically for law enforcement duties. They have the necessary tools, training, and legal authority to apprehend criminals, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety. The police force is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of civil order and the protection of the rights of citizens. This role is enshrined in the Constitution and supported by extensive legislation and regulations.

Deployment of the SANDF and Its Limitations

While there have been instances where the SANDF has been deployed in support of the police, these are typically limited and short-term in nature. In such cases, the primary objective is to provide specialized capabilities during specific events or emergencies, such as riots or natural disasters. The constitutionality and appropriateness of these deployments are rigorously reviewed to ensure that they align with the principles of civilian control of the military.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the responsibility for maintaining civil order and fighting crime in South Africa remains with the police, as it is their trained and authorized role. The SANDF, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for national security and defending the country against external threats. While there may be rare circumstances where the SANDF is brought in to support the police, this is a deviation from the established norms and requires strict adherence to legal and constitutional boundaries.