Defence in murder case against 12 soldiers dismisses claims of rogue unit in SANDF
Twelve defence force members appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday for a continuation of their bail hearing following their arrest almost two weeks ago.
- South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
- Frans Mathipa
- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks)
Picture: Pixabay.com
JOHANNESBURG - The defence in the murder case against 12 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers dismissed claims of a rogue unit in the army.
This comes amid renewed scrutiny of the conduct of the special forces unit and speculation that they may be involved in activities above the law.
Twelve defence force members appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday for a continuation of their bail hearing following their arrest almost two weeks ago.
They face charges of murder, kidnapping, fraud and obstructing the ends of justice.
The SANDF special forces unit has previously been accused of corruption, torture and even murder.
The allegations have been tested but the report into possible misconduct in the military has yet to be made public.
The Moorhouse Report is believed to contain what is termed as "explosive details of rogue SANDF activity", including the use of front companies and claims of politically motivated killings.
The execution of Hawks investigator, Francis Mathipa, allegedly by some SANDF members, renewed calls for an audit into the army's conduct.
But in the bail application, the defence lawyers for the accused have denied the claims.
The defence said there was no motive for the crimes they are accused of, including the kidnapping of two foreign nationals, the pair’s possible murder and Mathipa’s assassination.
The defence said that the soldiers in the dock were disciplined officials who would not set a foot out of line without command.
The matter will be back in court next week for a bail outcome.