Where to go if you feel SANDF treated you unfairly and unlawfully
JOBURG – Who to call if you feel that the military was unnecessarily aggressive and heavy-handed.
Members of the public are advised to contact the Military Ombudsmen to report cases of brutality and violence.
Efforts are still underway to deploy more of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel and equipment to curb the unrest which resulted in rampant looting, vandalism, public disobedience, injuries and death across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
With another 25 000 soldiers expected to hit the ground over the next few weeks to help calm the unrest, members of the public are worried that soldiers could be brutal and violent in their response, following the death of Collin Khoza the last time they were deployed.
SANDF has reiterated that they are acting as a support structure for the national police service as they carry out their mandate but informed the public, if they are unhappy with how soldiers have treated them, to report the matter to the South African Military Ombud.
The Military Ombud was founded in 2012 to investigate and ensure that complaints against the SANDF are resolved in a fair, economical and expeditious manner. Members of the public, along with members, former members and family members of SANDF are open to contact the office. The Military Ombud does not represent the complainant or the Department of Defence but is an independent arbiter between the parties.
To lodge a complaint you will have to download a complaint form off their website. The complainant will be expected to explain the nature of how they were violated and how they would like the matter to be resolved. The document should include the complainant’s particulars such as full name, identification document number, contact details and address. A case reference number will be given once it is sent to the Ombud and confirmation of receiving the complaint. If the Ombud has jurisdiction in the matter they will assign an investigator to initiate investigations which will include interviewing all involved parties.
Military Ombud’s details:
• Email: intake@milombud.org
• WhatsApp: 012 676 3800
• Website: www.milombud.org
• Facebook: South African Military Ombud
• Twitter: @Mil_OmbudSA
• LinkedIn: South African Military Ombud
• Instagram: South African Military Ombud.
