South African peacekeeping soldiers. Image: @TheLegalSA
DA calls for minister to investigate disgraced SA soldiers
Eight disgraced South African peacekeeping soldiers were sent packing after clashing with UN military police.
South African peacekeeping soldiers. Image: @TheLegalSA
The Democratic Alliance has called on Defence Minister Thandi Modise to investigate the eight South African peacekeepers arrested in the eastern city of Beni Congo.
SA SOLDIERS DEPORTED FROM DRC
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The soldiers were part of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
The soldiers, who have since been returned home, were arrested on charges of sexual misconduct and violence.
According to military news website DefenceWeb, a senior South African military officer reportedly attempted to hinder the investigation.
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The officer allegedly after the arrest of the peacekeepers, intimidated and threatened UN military police, which resulted in a brawl and attempted escape.
While two other senior South African military officers reportedly failed to properly exercise their responsibilities in the command of their personnel.
DA CALLS FOR DEFENSE MINISTER TO INVESTIGATE
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DA Shadow Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Kobus Marais, says that Modise should take responsibility for the alleged misconduct and lack of discipline from the SANDF members.
“The Minister is clearly failing to effectively manage her portfolio. There is also a complete lack of accountability for the breakdown in discipline and glaring gaps in command and control,” says Marais.
“The Minister owes it to the brave men and women who risk their lives in the defence of our country and our democracy not to reduce our armed forces to an international embarrassment” Marais added.
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In a statement by MONUSCO it says it enforced the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of misconduct.
“These initial measures include suspension from duty, detention, and confinement to quarters of concerned peacekeepers pending receipt of additional information on the allegations, including through the conduct of a full-fledged investigation”, the statement read.
