Cape Town – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has refuted claims that the returning troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have surrendered their weapons while passing through Rwanda.
On Sunday, the City Press published an article stating that the SANDF soldiers are without weapons, EWN reported.
The national defence force accuses the journalist who wrote the article of not verifying the information that was published.
SANDF spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala has clarified that all transit operations, through partner countries are conducted within the agreement and protocol established between SADC and countries involved.
“The article is not factual but sensationalist, and it appears to be aimed at creating panic and discrediting all involved.
“We view this irresponsible reporting in a serious light with a potential to compromise the safety of our troops and carefully coordinated withdrawal process. This article must be condemned with the contempt it deserves.”
According to IOL, Tshabalala added: “The author of this story did not verify the facts with the SANDF to confirm the veracity of the misplaced assertion that our members will be disarmed whilst en-route to Tanzania through the territory of Rwanda.
“Nor is the author quoting any source by name, except to hide behind the overused ‘our sources’ phrase. Clearly, there is a serious lack of understanding of how military equipment is transported during international operations.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
