_: President Jacob Zuma has according to section 201(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 19 of the Defence Act (Act 42 of 2002) employed members of the South African National Defence Force to support the South African Police Service in the prevention and combating of crime as well as the maintenance of law and order in the Marikana Area, North West province and other areas around the country where needed.

The employment is for the period of 14 September 2012 to 31 January 2013. The extended period will see the SANDF soldiers supporting the police during the festive season period around the country, as they did last year, 2011.