PHUTI MOSOMANE
THE South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has launched an urgent investigation into a video showing South African soldiers watching as deceased bodies are thrown into a fire.
The gruesome video, which has been circulating on social media, was allegedly shot in Mozambique.
SANDF deployed soldiers to Mozambique to fight terrorism and extremism in the country as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) together with defence forces from several other countries.
“The incident is believed to have taken place during the month of November 2022 in Mozambique where South Africa has committed forces. Once forces are committed, they form part of a combined force and fall under the command and control of SAMIM. South Africa only supports their mission logistically.”
“The Force Commander of SAMIM is conducting an investigation surrounding the involvement of its members in this despicable act. The SANDF does not condone in any way the acts committed in the video and those who are found guilty of such acts will be brought to book,” the SANDF said in the statement.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it is disgusted by the video that is doing the rounds of dead bodies being handled in the most disrespectful and undignified manner by soldiers.
“What is shown on the video is unacceptable and must be rejected in the strongest possible way. This is another embarrassment and an international blunder under the leadership of Minister Modise and President Ramaphosa.”
“We reject the behaviour with the contempt it deserves,” said.
South Africa is a signatory to a number of international treaties and conventions including on how to deal with the bodies of the dead in a dignified and humane way even in a conflict zone.
Marais said soldiers must adhere to their code of conduct and international standards and practices.
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