Question NW306 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
04 March 2021 - NW306
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)What are the consequence management procedures that are put in place to deal with incidents of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) deployees abusing their authority in the implementation of the regulations of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19; (2) what measures are in place to ensure that the SANDF deployees are regularly updated with their COVID-19 health status given their mass deployment and the risks associated with their exposure to communities where civil interaction is inevitable; (3) what (a) number of SANDF deployees have been placed in self-quarantine following the announcement of the impending lockdown and (b) measures have been institutionalised to reintegrate the specified individuals back into the operations of the presidential assignment during the lockdown period; (4) what (a) number of recorded incidents are there of live ammunition being utilised by SANDF members during the lockdown period and (b) accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure that no unjustifiable incidents occurred during this period?
Reply:
1. All SANDF members, even while deployed, fall under the Military Disciplinary Code (MDC) which is a regulatory framework that provides for the application of justice to all members that contravene DOD regulations, policies, orders and instructions as well as for misconduct and ill-discipline in the conduct of their duties.
2. SANDF deployed members, when on or off duty, follow and apply the same laid down COVID-19 health protocols applicable to everyone (public) in the RSA (scanning, screening, testing, sanitizing, hand washing, social distancing). They are regularly provided with the necessary PPE’s required, regular information and awareness is conducted.
3. (a) No members of the SANDF, deployed during the lockdown period, were placed under self-quarantine, however, members follow and apply the same COVID-19 health protocols applicable to everyone (public) in the RSA wrt self-quarantine/isolation measures applicable for contact, exposure to virus infection situations or infection; to wit; re-testing and declaration of status before reintegration.
(b) On completion of the required quarantine/self-quarantine or mandatory isolation period the members return to their work activities.
4. (a) Since the commencement of lockdown (March 2020 to date) there were 4 incidents recorded.
(b) Members received continuous in-post training on the correct handling and usage of weapons as well as the Code of Conduct and the Rules of Conduct and Engagement (ROCE). Operational Law Training, which also includes the rules guiding the opening of fire (shooting) is conducted regularly during operational deployments