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Zuma deploys 441 soldiers for 'law and order' during SONA 2017

Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma has authorised the deployment of 441 soldiers to assist police in “law and order” activities for the Opening of Parliament, the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The SA National Defence Force members will be working in cooperation with the South African Police Service “to maintain law and order during the Opening of Parliament where the President will deliver the State of the Nation Address 2017”. 

The SANDF will be employed together with the police from 5 to 10 February. 

An SANDF source told News24 that the deployment was unusual as soldiers only ever took part in SONA in a ceremonial capacity. 

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