Pretoria - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it has noted a report alleging that South African troops are top of the list of sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrators.
The reports are attributed to the United Nations and as well as an article in The Times newspaper.
The Department of Defence said the procedurally reports of this nature are normally presented to the affected or concerned troop contributing country for consideration and processing.
The department said while this particular report has not been formally received by the Department of Defence, the SANDF will scrutinise the quoted report and engage its originators or authors to ascertain the authenticity of its contents.
“The SANDF does not condone any misconduct or acts of ill-discipline by its members, be it sexual abuse or exploitation, and to that effect the SANDF works hand-in-hand with UN officials or any relevant authorities to investigate such allegations whenever they emerge.
“In principle and in line with UN guidelines, any member of the SANDF alleged to have committed an offense, the matter is investigated and if the member is found guilty, that member is withdrawn from the mission area and necessary disciplinary measures are taken,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
