Question NW162 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
06 March 2020 - NW162
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether she authorised the deployment of the SA National Defence Force to patrol the streets of Kimberley in January 2020; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what were the costs of deploying the soldiers, (b) from which budget was the deployment of the soldiers paid, (c) for what period were the soldiers deployed and (d) for what purpose were the soldiers deployed; (2) whether she communicated the deployment of the soldiers to Parliament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW183E
Reply:
(1) and (2) No I did not authorise employment of any members under the Defence Act, 2002. I view this matter in a very serious light and have instructed the Chief of the South African National Defence Force to institute a Board of Inquiry and to take action against those involved. I will report back to Parliament on the outcome and actions taken following the completion of the Board of Inquiry.