SANDF denies deploying troops to #JusticeForCwecwe protests

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The South African Defence Force has addressed concerns raised over allegations that troops had been deployed to monitor a community march in Matatiele.

The march had been in response to the rape of a 7 year-old school child in the Eastern Cape province which has prompted mass outrage.

SANDF on ‘presence’ at Matatiele protest

The SANDF responded to backlash relating to what was believed to be troops at the protest in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“The SANDF can confirm that there has been no such deployment. We wish to state that the SANDF has members in the area on border safeguarding duties and nothing else. We would like to express sincere regret regarding the incident where our soldiers were seen during the march against gender-based violence in Matatiele.” SANDF statement.

Furthermore, the SANDF insists that it finds the high instances of gender-based violence in South Africa unacceptable.

“The SANDF is a gender sensitive organisation and supports gender programs. We are cognisant of the unacceptable high levels of gender-based violence, and the prevalence of violence against women and children, and support any intervention by institutions and citizens aimed at dealing with violence against our women and children.” The statement read.

Politicians irked by troops spotted during march

Earlier, numerous politiciansdenounced the SANDF after troops were spotted during the protest action.

The GOOD Party had voiced its shock over the alleged deployment of SANDF troops during the protest.

“South Africans have the right to protest, and there were no indications that this march would be anything but peaceful. The Department of Defence owes the public a clear explanation regarding the legality and necessity of this deployment.” GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron