Defense Minister Mapisa-Nqakula ‘Has No confidence’ In SANDF Conducting Sex Abuse Investigation

Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has no confidence that the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will investigate itself against sexual exploitation and abuse allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula has set up an external team that will look into the cases from 2014 to handle the matter. She said the actions of South Africa troops deployed in various countries has raised red flags.

According to a leaked report to the media, only 13 of more than 40 cases of sexual exploitation and abuse reported in SANDF were completed.

“The SANDF must open itself up to scrutiny to self-correct. I have confidence in the structures of the SANDF but with this issue, my confidence is very limited especially with the report that you have acquired legally.”

Mapisa-Nqakula said sexual allegations from countries such as DRC where SA troops are deployed there have been raised concerns about abuses at home.

“This problem is just as prevalent in the country.”

The task team is headed by former gender commission chair Thoko Mpumlwana and consists of former army generals, lawyers and doctors.

“They will analyse the sentences and check guilty findings, to see if they fit the crimes or to determine if the sentences are in line with civilian courts.”