DA CONDEMNS ACTION OF ROGUE SANDF MEMBERS

The Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape condemns in the strongest terms the action of rogue members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who invaded and dumped furniture in the square in front of City Hall in Nelson Mandela Bay on Friday (see HeraldLive report).

I understand that 30 members, with four trucks were involved.  Some of the soldiers were heavily armed with R-4 rifles – some of the weapons with the magazine safety clips off.  

This unlawful behaviour is a direct assault on a democratically elected government.  This kind of lawlessness can never be tolerated in a democratic state.  The SANDF must make an example of those involved in this incident so this culture does not spread further.

I understand that there was a South African Police Service lieutenant colonel on the scene and the soldiers completely ignored him.  The SAPS must take this up with the SANDF as a matter of urgency. 

We cannot allow mutiny to break out in South Africa. 

The DA will be monitoring the situation very carefully.  I will be asking questions in the provincial legislature to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

Statement issued by Bobby Stevenson, Shadow DA Eastern Cape MEC for Safety and Security, 6 November 2016