93 SA soldiers on rape, murder charges
The SA National Defence Force has charged 93 soldiers for offences including murder, rape and sexual abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a reply to parliamentary questions posed by DA MP David Maynier, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the SANDF members had been part of the UN stabilisation mission to the conflict-ridden African country.
She said other offences included drug and alcohol use, the hiring of prostitutes, damage to army and civilian vehicles and breaking curfew.
Punishments meted out included a 24-year prison sentence to Sergeant PJ Venter who was found guilty of raping and killing a Burundian girl, as well as fines ranging from R600 to R1,500 for other offences by officers.
Maynier said of the 93 cases, at least 23 cases involved rape, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and assault of women.
Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge