SANDF to investigate reports of recruit abuse

(Image: Public Domain)

The warning follows recent claims of abuse at the SA Army's Infantry School in Oudtshoorn.

These complaints, mostly made telephonically by recruits to their families, include incidents such as instructors physically jumping on the backs and chests of both female and male recruits, refusing any medical attention to recruits with open wounds and lacerations, as well as racist verbal abuse.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry vowed to get to the bottom of the claims as a matter of urgency, saying the claims will receive priority for investigation.

Last year, Military Ombudsman (retired) Lieutenant General Themba Matanzima launched a full investigation into complaints by members on instruction by Mapisa-Nqakula.

A final report was produced, whose recommendations were accepted by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and its recommendations were then handed over to the Chief of the SANDF for implementation.

Mapisa-Nqakula's spokesperson Joy Peter said the recommendations contained in the report have since been implemented.

"It is against this backdrop that Mapisa-Nqakula is utterly disenchanted with the recent allegations of physical abuse and verbal assault at the aforementioned school."

Peter said the Minister condemned the physical and psychological mistreatment of recruits and has vowed to ensure that strict action is taken against perpetrators.