DA, AfriForum, FF+ demand action over bodies burnt by SANDF in Mozambique
Lobby group Afriforum, the DA and the Freedom Front Plus have called on the Minister of Defence Thandi Modise to take action against a the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers seen burning bodies in a viral video.
The clip circulating on social media shows soldiers throwing a corpse over a pile of burning rubble, where at least one other body is already in the flames.
Another soldier can be seen pouring liquid over the body, while others, including one wearing an SANDF uniform, are watching from the side and filming on their mobile phones.
The SANDF issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming that an investigation surrounding the involvement of its members is ongoing.
The SANDF says the incident is believed to have taken place in November.
AfriForum's Jacques Broodryk believes the minister must recall the commander of the South African forces in Mozambique.
"We are aware that the SANDF has said the incident is being investigated by the force commander of the SADC mission in Mozambique, but we feel this is simply not enough. AfriForum is currently consulting with our legal team to also investigate other possible actions," he says.
Meanwhile, FF Plus spokesperson Pieter Groenewald says the minister must provide answers as to why no action has been taken against the SANDF soldiers who may have committed a war crime.
"The minister must find out why the incident, which reportedly transpired months ago already, has only come to the Defence Force's attention now after it has been widely shared on social media. Everything seems to point to the incident being a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which makes it a war crime.
“Therefore, government and the Defence Force must be swift to act against the relevant soldiers to demonstrate to the international community that it is serious about addressing the matter," says Groenewald.
The DA's Kobus Marais wants the minister and the chief of the SANDF to immediately institute an inquiry.
"In the meanwhile, the soldiers involved, and their commanding officers should be recalled to SA and must be suspended to allow for unrestricted investigation into this matter.
“The minister must also fully brief Parliament's defence committee on the incident as soon as possible and explain under whose authority and jurisdiction the bodies were burnt and whether those bodies were civilians or combatants.
“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.”
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