SANDF: 'Animals' not tolerated
2003-07-09 21:10
Kindu (Democratic Republic of Congo) - South African soldiers on
peacekeeping missions abroad who behaved "like animals" would not be
tolerated.
That was the word from Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota in a tongue lashing directed at
South African soldiers in the DRC this week.
"Most of you arrived here with a clean record. Make sure you return with
your reputations intact. I assure you: we will not forget your
transgressions. A black mark will remain against your name forever," he
added.
Lekota went to investigate conditions in Kinshasa and Kindu where South
Africans have been deployed as part of the United Nations mission.
Lekota said the initiative formed part of South Africa's duty to Africa
to "export peace" and the soldiers were there to help do this.
Lekota said he was aware soldiers were disgruntled about high tax
deductions from their foreign allowance.
"Without the peacekeeping missions you would only earn a salary. You are
not serving here for money but for love of your country."
He said no one had forced a member of the peacekeeping force to be in the
DRC. "If you don't want to be here, go home and resign."