Deployed SANDF soldiers recalled from DR Congo over misconduct

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has recalled deployed soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo amid allegations of misconduct.

This comes after eight soldiers deployed in Beni were apprehended by the United Nations Military Police for being in direct breach of the curfew time and other regulations related to sexual exploitation and abuse.

SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed the receipt of a report containing allegations of serious acts of ill-discipline and misconduct by members deployed under the Stabilization Mission.

He said the SANDF was made aware of the allegations in the media, an incident he described as “unfortunate”.

“The reporting procedure was not followed by the United Nations because the RSA defence Advisor or the RSA United Nations representatives were not informed as per the standard operating procedure for all TCC’s.

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“Due to serious nature of the allegations, we have taken a decision to recall the implicated soldiers back to South Africa to answer to the allegations and t o give account of events that transpired,” he stated.

Dlamini added that National Investigating Officers have been dispatched to conduct a formal investigation.

He continued; “Upon completion of the investigation, the SANDF will pronounce itself.”