BuaNews (Tshwane)
Edwin Tshivhidzo
3 December 2008
Pretoria — South Africans need not fear about piracy incidents off the country's coast, says Chief of the Navy Johannes Admiral Mudimu.
Admiral Mudimu said the Navy was prepared to ensure that South African waters were not a playground for piracy.
The chief was responding to questions raised by journalists at a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday regarding the recent piracy attacks occurring around the horn of Africa, specifically off the coast of Somalia.
Two large ships transporting weapons and oil have been taken over by Somali pirates demanding high ransoms in the last few months.
However, the Navy chief said there were submarines which were constantly monitoring the waters. "We have submarines that monitor our waters, nothing to fear."
The Navy has in recent years engaged in the purchase of state-of-the art submarines to be used in protecting the country's maritime as well as acquiring three frigates.
Admiral Mudimu said the Navy must take the lead in issues threatening the country's economy.
Defence spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi said if South Africa was requested to assist in combating piracy off the Somali coast, they would do so.
He said while the matter was being handled at a top level in the Presidency, they had not received any such request so far.
The navy is, however, looking at strengthening the Mozambican Navy.
Earlier this year, former President Thabo Mbeki conducted a Presidential Fleet Review where the Navy put all its acquisitions on display.
At that time the Navy demonstrated its capabilities and indicated their readiness in defending the country's maritime.
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