Nothing to investigate, says SANDF

[iolsa]

Johannesburg - The military will not investigate claims that more than 13 South African soldiers were killed in the Central African Republic (CAR) last month.

“The SANDF has nothing to investigate and therefore will not conduct any investigation,” SA National Defence Force spokesman Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga said in a statement on Saturday.

However, earlier this week, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said government would investigate international reports querying the number of South African soldiers killed.

French news agency AFP reported CAR rebels as saying the number of South African soldiers killed in the battle in Bangui was between 36 and 50.

South Africa put the death toll at 13.

“We will verify the facts and come back to you if there is such a situation. At the moment, we have not received such reports,” Nkoane-Mashabane told reporters on Thursday.

On Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma announced that South Africa would withdraw its troops from CAR.

Twenty-seven soldiers were also injured during the March 23 battle with Seleka rebel fighters. - Sapa



IOLSA