The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) resumed with its trial procedures against some SANDF members who were implicated in an illegal march at the Union Buildings on 26 August 2009. The pre-trial process took place as from 8 to 9 May 2013 at SA Army Gymnasium, Heidelberg.
The process follows the successful completion of Preliminary Investigation (PI) and the drawing of charge sheets which was concluded on 21 February 2013, at 121 South African Infantry Battalion (SAI Bn), Mtubatuba Military Base.
It should be noted that this pre-trial process involves only the SANDF members who were at Mtubatuba Military Base for the purpose of the Preliminary Investigation. The total number of the SANDF members who appeared at the pre-trial process was two hundred and ninety seven (297) of which, after the completion of the PI, seventy two (72) were discharged on the basis of insufficient evidence to prosecute them. Then only two hundred and twenty five (225) appeared before the pre-trial process that has been concluded.
The purpose of the pre-trial was to inform the accused of their rights which include a right to legal representation, right to have an interpreter and to be informed of the date for the trial. The accused then confirmed their legal representatives of their own choice and those who required interpreters also indicated as such.
This process then came to an end and the presiding judge postponed this matter to 9 July 2013 for trial.
Enquiries:
Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga, Director Defence Corporate Communication
Cell: 082 889 9537
