SANDF claims no authorisation for troop deployment at #JusticeForCwecwe march

Angie Motshekga

Cape Town – The South African Department of Defence has denied authorising the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the #JusticeForCwecwe march in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.

This follows public concern and political backlash over the presence of uniformed soldiers at the peaceful protest.

The department clarified in a statement on Wednesday that soldiers were in the area for border safeguarding duties and expressed regret for their presence at the march, which aimed to raise awareness about the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl, Cwecwe.

“The SANDF has noted with concern reports and allegations of the ‘deployment’ in Matatiele to monitor a community march against gender-based violence (GBV).

“The SANDF can confirm there has been no such deployment. We wish to state 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 GBV in Matatiele,” the department said.

Political parties, including the EFF, questioned the legality and necessity of the SANDF’s involvement, raising concerns about constitutional violations.

The EFF specifically called for clarification from the Presidency, as only the president can authorise the deployment of the military.

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