SANDF refutes claims of the existence of a hit squad within the military

The SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has denied claims of the existence of an alleged death squad within the military.

General Maphwanya made the remarks at a media briefing in response to the allegations.

Last week, non-profit organisation, Open Secrets, released an explosive report that implicates at least four units of the SANDF in crimes, some of which date back four years. The alleged crimes include torture and possible assassinations.

Addressing the media, General Maphwanya urged those who have evidence, along with their sources, to report such crimes to authorities.

General Maphwanya says the Open Secrets exposé could be construed as an act of defeating the ends of justice and has the ability to tarnish the reputation of the military.

However, he has acknowledged that the allegations of torture were brought to the attention of the SANDF’s top brass months ago.

General Maphwanya says the force does not conduct itself in a way that supersedes the law.

Meanwhile, the four-part exposé by Open Secrets implicates the Military Police and Defence Intelligence in the alleged death squad.

The organisation’s Director Hennie van Vuuren says the group’s investigation was based on tip offs and various other sources.