"He did, however, confirm that the acting president would have the authority to call in the army if necessary.

The meeting between police and the SANDF in Johannesburg on Tuesday came after police commanders had apparently pleaded with the defence force for help since the beginning of the week.

According to Beeld sources, police have not had enough resources - such as vehicles, weapons and patrols - at their disposal since the attacks began.

The deployment of the army could have begun on Wednesday, had the order been approved by the president.

Only the president, according to Article 201 of the Constitution, can authorise the army to work together with the police.

Show of force

Army units whose soldiers are deployed must get their orders from the defence force's joint operations centre.

According to informed sources, the army's planned actions will revolve around a show of force and military presence to make combating the violence easier for the police.

The poli