Alarm has been raised over US Marines training Metro Police cadets on Muizenberg Beach.
Questions arise over whether the South African Police Service was aware of this partnership, and that this training session was taking place. The Good Party has questioned who was paying for this session, and whether the fitness training session was part of other collaborations.
Anti-drug and gang movement, PAGAD, has added its objection to the presence of US marines in Cape Town and has called on the national government to block this provocative and dangerous operation. In a statement, the group expressed deep concern and strong objection to the DA extending an invitation to US military personnel to operate and conduct training exercises within the City of Cape Town.
It notes that one may argue that they will quote “upskill” the police service and that it’s with “good intentions”. But PAGAD says it rejects such language, for it is the exact language of the oppressor used throughout South Africa’s history.
The objection also stems from the brutality displayed by ICE and other American law enforcement structures, which PAGAD stressed are inconsistent with South Africa’s Constitutional dispensation.
It adds that methods employed by these US structures are abhorrent and has urged state structures to be circumspect about whom they partner with in training initiatives.
The other issue raised is US military adventurism, which has left countries like Venezuela and Palestine in chaos.
