A video on social media purportedly showing members of the SANDF (South African National Defence Force) in the vicinity of dead bodies that are being thrown onto a pile of burning rubble has resulted in calls for swift action from the South African Defence Union.
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This comes as the South African National Defence Union (Sandu) is demanding answers and calling for decisive action against any defence force members found to be involved in the incident.
Yesterday, the SANDF confirmed that it was currently investigating the matter.
“The SANDF was recently made aware of a video clip circulating on social media depicting members in a yet-unidentified defence force uniform throwing deceased bodies in a pile of burning rubble as well as the SANDF member(s) standing around watching them,” the SANDF stated.
It is believed that the footage was taken in Mozambique in November last year, where the SANDF has committed forces as part of the SADC mission in the neighbouring country (Samim).
The defence force emphasised that it does not condone the acts depicted in the video and that those found guilty of any involvement would be held accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile, Sandu said it was deeply concerned about the video depicting members of the SANDF and members of other unidentified defence forces that were clearly in violation of the law of armed conflict.
“Should the video be authentic and depict, among others, members of the SANDF engaging in such activities, it would constitute a grave and disgraceful breach of international law of armed conflict and would be completely unacceptable,” Sandu said.
The union added that it was paramount that the SANDF investigate the incident as quickly as possible, in a fair and impartial manner, with those responsible brought to book for their actions.
Sandu national secretary Pikkie Greeff added: “Sandu will always stand for the protection and promotion of the rights of our members, but will never tolerate such blatant criminality, which brings dishonour and disgrace to the SANDF, the uniform and South Africa.”
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