allegations that a member of the South African National Defence Force shot and
killed a 70 year old woman
23 January 2009
The Ministry of Defence has noted with alarm and shock media reports that a
member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) had shot and killed
a 70 year old woman and at a separate incident, another member attacked and
stabbed a woman seven times inside a court. The Minister of Defence, Mr Charles
Nqakula and the Chief of the SANDF, General Godfrey Ngwenya would like to
extend their deep-felt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish a
speedy recovery to the injured member of the SANDF.
Without prejudging the outcomes of these cases, the ministry would like
state that such allegations against the two members of the SANDF are extremely
serious and must be met with the full might of the law. The commission of such
heinous crimes against defenceless woman, particularly by those who are
supposed to protect and defend them, must be condemned with the contempt it
deserves. If found guilty, the perpetrators must be punished with the harshest
sentence permitted in law.
The SANDF is a professional and disciplined organisation, comprised of men
and women who are prepared to lay down their lives to defend the country and
its people. It has a proud record of service to the nation, to our neighbours
in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and on the
continent and beyond. All its members are at all times expected to abide by the
law, respect the Constitution and the Code of Conduct of the Department of
Defence.
The unacceptable behaviour of a few individuals will not be allowed to
tarnish the image of the SANDF. Following due process, the department will do
whatever it can to ensure that such individuals are rooted out from the
National Defence Force.
Enquiries:
Sam Mkhwanazi
Cell: 083 628 0858
Issued by: Ministry of Defence
23 January 2009
