Soldiers' march declared illegal

2009-08-26 13:13

Pretoria - A planned protest march by South African army soldiers over salaries was declared illegal by the North Gauteng High Court on Wednesday.

The court dismissed an application by the SA National Defence Union (Sandu) to force the army to release its soldiers to take part in a protest march to the Union Buildings later on Wednesday, ministry of defence and military veterans spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said.

"The Tshwane metro police also cancelled the permit to protest granted to Sandu late last night [Tuesday]." Mabaya said.

National security

He said Chief of the Army General Godfrey Ngwenya hailed the decision by the metro police chief, Commissioner Mpho Mmutle and the court as being sensitive to national security and the rule of law.

"All soldiers must report to their barracks and offices, commanders must not allow soldiers to leave their barracks without an approved leave," said Ngwenya.

"Those who abstain without permission would be treated as being absent and the full might of the military police will deal with them."

He also called on other law enforcement agencies to prohibit the soldiers from embarking on an illegal protest and to gather at the Union Buildings or nearby roads and public grounds.

Bargaining chamber

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu also welcomed the court's decision and again called on Sandu to return to the bargaining chamber to finalise discussions for the benefit of the soldiers.

"We have always known that Sandu's protest marches are irresponsible and unnecessary.

"We hope they will learn a lesson and stop mobilising soldiers to unnecessary and unproductive activities and concentrate on building an army that is committed to the security of its people," she said.

- SAPA