MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE UNION ON THE GUPTA REPORT AND THE POSITION OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANDERSON

SANDU HQ

PRETORIA

23 MAY 2013

SANDU rejects the released report on the Gupta fiasco as it is based on highly suspect methodology of evidence gathering and investigation, reaching conclusions (many of which are factually wrong) based on untested allegations. In addition it seeks to make findings of fact on the suspended SANDF member Lieutenant Colonel Anderson without the latter having been included in the so called investigation.

This kind of tardy investigative work flies in the face of the rules of natural justice and is typical of the product one may expect of self investigation instead of independent and judicially sound investigative procedures. SANDU demands that Lieutenant Colonel Anderson be subjected to due process and that the Board Of Inquiry, referred to in her letter of suspension take place as a matter of urgency.

This will afford her the deserved opportunity to not only expose the full extent of the incorrect assumptions and conclusions of the report, but also the extent to which the evidence to the report has either been sanitised or fabricated.

Many issues in the report are not addressed fully. SANDU also demands that a full transcript and or record of the proceedings of the so called investigation be made public in the interest of transparency. Failure to do so would constitute irrefutable proof that the full nature and extent of evidence in this matter is being suppressed with ulterior motives. 

The legal representative of Lieutenant Colonel Anderson will formally demand corrective action along the lines of these demands failing which alternative options will be exercised including a complaint to the office of the Public Protector for the flagrant violation, by the State, of the rights of Lieutenant Colonel Anderson to due process and fairness. 

Alternative options include the taking of court action if necessary to preserve her rights and claim damages.

Statement issued by Pikkie Greeff, SANDU National Secretary, May 23 2013

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