SANDF: Claims that members are refusing to repatriate South Africans from China 'nonsense'
The South African Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed claims
by the Mail & Guardian that its members are refusing
to fly to China to repatriate South African from the epicentre of the coronavirus.
The paper states the plane organised to fly back the South Africans in Wuhan is ready, but that a source close to the operation revealed to the paper that SANDF personnel are refusing to undertake the potentially perilous mission.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini describes the report as "deceptive" and "absolute nonsense".
"We have been at the forefront of this operation from the time when the decision was made to repatriate South African from Wuhan, China. We have been day in and day out planning the operation or the mission itself.
"I find it extremely ludicrous that today one wakes up and sees such a story in the newspaper while we were on the forefront of planning the mission."
He adds all the personnel from the defence force are ready and willing to ensure that their countrymen in Wuhan are brought home.
"We have given our lives to the South African people, we have given our lives to the government to saying we are willing to die to ensure that the country is secure," adds Dlamini.
He refused to elaborate on the plans for the mission, saying it cannot be disclosed to the public.
Listen to Dlamini below: