SANDF won't ban love

2003-09-09 22:49

Anesca Smith

Cape Town - The department of defence will not design legislation to ban love affairs between senior and junior officers, Defence Minister Mosioua Lekota said on Tuesday.

"We cannot prescribe to men and women with whom they should fall in love. It has nothing to do with us. It is not a crime such as rape or murder."

Lekota was reacting in parliament to a question on the department's policy in this regard. This comes after two female defence force officers were dismissed within a month of each other for having relationships with subordinates.

Captain Neliswa Mqamelo of the military police's crime prevention unit in Wynberg was found guilty last week after her relationship with a junior officer apparently led to a breakdown in military discipline. Major Ria Vivier was dishonourably discharged about a month ago for a similar transgression.

Lekota said on Tuesday that his department was not considering legislation in this regard, but may amend its code of conduct.

"Such a relationship is inappropriate if it compromises discipline in an organisation such as the South African National Defence Force. It would similarly be inappropriate if a relationship developed between a teacher and one of his or her pupils.

"However, it is not acceptable when a couple hold hands or make other romantic gestures in front of troops."

- Die Burger