SANDF rejects accusations regarding sexual abuse claims

THE South African National Defence Force has lashed out at media allegations that it failed to co-operate with the UN regarding allegations of abuse and sexual exploitation by SANDF members in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UN said five South African soldiers were facing allegations of sexual misconduct in the DRC for the abuse of four adults and a minor between 2014 and 2016.

“In view of these allegations having surfaced, the SANDF swiftly moved to send its legal officers and investigators to the mission area to deal with the efficacy of such reports,” said SANDF in a press release.

“Once again it must be noted that these investigations are being conducted in close liaison with the UN office in the DRC,” added the SANDF.

“As previously stated, the SANDF wishes to reiterate its stance against any abuse of civilian members of the population where it is deployed in support of the peacekeeping efforts of the UN.”

The SANDF added that it deplored such behaviour from any of its members and that it took these allegations in the most serious light.

“It is however disturbing and disconcerting, as reported in the media, to be accused of not co-operating with the UN in such matters, whereas the truth is the opposite,” added the SANDF.

The military said it had also reacted with speed to such incidences in the past, with the aim of ensuring that there was justice seen to be done, and that if there was any shred of evidence pointing to South African members, that they were dealt with immediately, as had happened before where such allegations were found to be true.

The Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke, is on record as having emphasised that ill-discipline and criminal behaviour in the ranks of the SANDF would not be tolerated, and that those found to have transgressed the code of conduct and the military disciplinary code would be dealt with without fear or favour. – African News Agency (ANA)