Issued by African National Congress Kwazulu Natal
3 February 2000
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is highly disturbed by the misbehaviour displayed by some members of the South African Defence Force when they conduct raids.
We have learnt that on the 21 of January 2000 (Friday night), members of the force during their raid fatally shot Mr Phumlani Hadebe of Esidakeni area at Msinga. The ANC has also head of various incidents of misconduct by on-duty soldiers.
As the ANC, we fully condemn this unprofessional and barbaric behaviour. We understand that soldiers work under extreme pressure however that does not justify their dirty actions.
The ANC urges the Defence Minister Mr Patrick Lekota to embark on a military and forceful campaign that will root-out all rotten elements in the midst of SANDF. We further demand the urgent probe on the matter and swift disciplinary majors.
The ANC further urges all community members who have been subjected to the terror of such actions to come forward and report their case. This will assist in bringing down all those flying high soldiers.
Soldiers are supposed to protect our society not to terrorise and violate their basic human rights.
Issued by Department of Information and Publicity
Contact ANC Spokesperson Mtholephi Mthimkhulu at 082 702 9729 For further details contact Khulekani Ntshangase at 082 570 5074