Media briefing notes for C SANDF
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has noted media reports making alarming allegations about the existence of the so called ”SANDF death squad” responsible for acts of kidnapping, torture and murder.
The SANDF views these allegations in the most serious light and have a potential to damage the image and reputation of the Defence Force. It is important to note that all matters raised in these reports are of a serious nature and one would have expected that those who have such information together with their sources have an obligation to report such crime to Law enforcement authorities. There are a number of avenues where crimes can be reported such as any law enforcement agency, the Public Protector, the Military Ombudsman and any other such agency.
On the 24th of April 2020, a joint statement by both the Hawks and the SANDF was issued which confirmed the recovery of the stolen rifles and pistols and the subsequent arrest of persons found in possession of the recovered weapons.
The matter is due again in court on Tuesday, 05 December 2023 for arguments by the suspect`s defence team. Military courts are open to any person to attend. On the matter of allegations on the abduction of an individual linked to the Mall of Africa a media statement was issued on 16 September 2023, in response to the media enquiry stating clearly that the matter is being coordinated by the joint entities, the Hawks and Military Police together with the NPA.
The matter is under investigation and before a court of law and the SANDF cannot comment on the matter. The successful prosecution of such crimes as alleged in the reports relies on the reporting of the alleged crime, supported by evidence, if any, to allow the law to take its course.
It is rather concerning that even with all that has been presented to the public by the said media houses and that there still exists no formal charge(s) opened against any of the mentioned persons and/or organisation(s).
The law states in South Africa that failure to report a crime is an offence. It is also concerning that the media houses chose to withhold the information that can assist Law enforcement agencies to investigate and incongruously decided to publish it for whatever reason.
This can be equated to a reprehensible motive or an act of defeating the ends of justice. We can state clearly without any ambiguity that the defence force operates in a constitutional and democratic state where all government institutions operate and adheres to democratic principles of the state.
Therefore, like any other government department, the defence force can be scrutinised for anything that might seem to be going against the constitution and the Bill of Rights and that must be done within the framework of openness and transparency. For the record, there are no military squads in the defence force that exist to carry out acts of torture and murder for whatever reasons.
Enquiries:
Mr Siphiwe Dlamini
Head of Communication
Cell: 083 410 1257
