/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

“The issuing of warrants for the arrest of the chief of the Defence Force (Gen. Solly Shoke), chief of the Air Force (Lt-Gen. Zakes Msimang) and the Secretary of Defence (Dr. Sam Gulube) is a disgrace for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It is a poor example of discipline and creates the impression that these officers regard themselves to be above the law,” Dr. Pieter Groenewald, the chief spokesperson on Defence for the Freedom Front Plus says.

“The fact that the court had issue an order on 30 May of this year that the court order issued on 10 September of last year had to be enforced and now had to order the issuing of arrest warrants, is proof that these officers are contemptuous of the law and the courts. The minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, should suspend these officers immediately and institute a proper investigation into their conduct.

Should the defence of these officers be that the administration of the Defence Force had failed them, it is proof that the Defence Force is functioning unprofessionally and clearly has people in positions that are incompetent. This embarrassment is actually an embarrassment for the whole of South Africa and blemishes the image of the Defence Force internationally also,” Groenewald said.

Issued by: FF Plus