Defence force recruits abused - report
2013-02-04 10:00
George - Allegations of recruits being abused at the
Oudtshoorn Infantry School have emerged in a letter sent by a parent to the SA
National Defence Force Union (Sandu), Die Burger reported on Monday.
According to just two of several complaints laid out in the
letter, written by a female recruit's mother, the recruits were burned with
cigarette lighters and male instructors kicked women soldiers.
The union alleged on Tuesday that women at the infantry
school were being humiliated for falling pregnant.
Sandu said it would investigate the general treatment of
recruits at the base.
According to the letter, recruits were prohibited from
seeking help during their first two weeks of training, but were instructed to
visit the clinic only to get birth control tablets.
According to the parent, who wished to remain anonymous,
male recruits had their faces burned with cigarette lighters.
The mother said she feared for her daughter's safety.
Sandu spokesperson advocate Pikkie Greeff said on Friday he
had received no feedback from the army about the letter.
Army spokesperson Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga said he
was unaware of the letter.
- SAPA
