Chapter 11: Security Services
(2) � Command of the defence force must be exercised in accordance with the directions
of the Cabinet member responsible for defence, under the authority of the
President.
State of national defence
203. � (1)
The President as head of the national executive may declare a state of
national defence, and must inform Parliament promptly and in appropriate detail
of—
(a) the reasons for the declaration;
(b) any place where the defence force is being employed; and
(c) the number of people involved.
(2) � If Parliament is not sitting when a state of national defence is declared, the
President must summon Parliament to an extraordinary sitting within seven days of
the declaration.
(3) � A declaration of a state of national defence lapses unless it is approved by
Parliament within seven days of the declaration.
Defence civilian secretariat
204. � A civilian secretariat for defence must be established by national legislation to function
under the direction of the Cabinet member responsible for defence.
police
Police service
205. � (1)
The national police service must be structured to function in the national, provincial
and, where appropriate, local spheres of government.
(2) � National legislation must establish the powers and functions of the police service
and must enable the police service to discharge its responsibilities effectively, taking
into account the requirements of the provinces.
(3) � The objects of the police service are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to
maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and
their property, and to uphold and enforce the law.
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