Forensic and crime expert Calvin Rafadi says the army should be deployed to the Eastern Cape during the festive season to combat recent crimes that have mushroomed in the province.

This follows the announcement by Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene that Eastern Cape will be furnished with additional resources to curb crime in identified hotspots ahead of the festive season.Mene was speaking at the Safer Festive Season campaign launch in Komani.

A STATE OF URGENCY

Rafadi said dealing with illegal firearms in the province should be prioritised as an urgent matter.He has called for a state of emergency to be declared in the province in order to deal with illegal guns.

"Let's go on a search and seizure but it can only happen if we have a multiplier force of the military through a state of emergency. So, we need them as an extended multiplier force so that with the police we have got units that will also deal with the POCA Act, the Prevention of Organised Crime. Whilst we are flushing the firearms, let's disarm some of the assets of these guys."

RURAL AREAS TO BE PRIORITISED 

Mene has announced that additional resources will be allocated to infested rural communities and warned criminals that they will face the full might of the law. "We have added forces we have included our combat teams in terms of having more boots on the ground for the festive season. We have already started in the areas of Lusikisiki which are areas of concern. We have added more members for crime prevention because of the situation in the province and the Bityi area and all areas where crime is rife."