Photo: Screenshot
Photo: Screenshot
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have issued a strong message of contempt for any of its members who are found to have brought the organisation into disrepute. This follows the emergence of damning video footage on social media in which an unruly, seemingly drunk man in SANDF fatigues is seen being escorted away from a busy public space by police officers.
SANDF identify ‘drunk’ member
In a statement issued on Friday 20 August, the SANDF said that they have noted the video doing the rounds, and insisted that the member should be severely punished for his “disgraceful behaviour”.
“The SANDF unreservedly condemns such disgraceful behaviour from our members since we view the military uniform as an important asset,” they said, adding that the date and the exact location of the incident has not yet been established.
They confirmed however that the man in the video has been identified as an SANDF member, and said that he has been absent without leave (AWOL) from his unit since 27 July 2021.
“At present the Military Police officers are working tirelessly to determine his whereabouts, and bring him to book,” they said.
Soldier to face disciplinary action
The SANDF said that once the soldier is tracked down, he will face disciplinary action from the defence department’s internal structures.
“We can further confirm that when the member on the video has been found, he will face the Court of Military Justice for being on AWOL, and drunkenness,” they said.
“We would like to state categorically that such behaviour cannot be tolerated from any of our members.”
The Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya issued a stern warning to all SANDF soldiers that the SANDF will not tolerate any ill-discipline, and “drastic action” will be taken against any member contravening the Military Disciplinary Code.
