By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Defence and Military Veterans has published the code of conduct for ‘Operation Prosper’ – detailing the rules that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members will have to follow in their response to the ongoing violence and looting being seen in South Africa.
In a government gazette published on Wednesday evening (14 July), the department said that upholding and enforcing the law remains the primary responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“When the SANDF is employed in cooperation with the SAPS, SANDF members have the same powers and authority as the SAPS, excluding the investigation of crime. Notwithstanding this, SANDF members may perform tasks and duties they are adequately trained and equipped for,” it said.
The code of conduct further states that the SANDF’s cooperation with SAPS is limited to the protection of life and property during crime combating operations.
The code of conduct also provides a breakdown of what SANDF members are required to do, and how they are required to act in specific situations:
Road blockages/Public Unrest and/or Looting
- Protect the SAPS while they manage the situation.
- Assist the SAPS to remove blockages only when it is safe to do so.
- Where possible, record events either in writing or by means of video/audio recordings.
- Do not fire warning shots.
- Exercise personal restraint and do not assault members of the public.
- Use less than lethal ammunition where possible.
Roadblocks, Vehicle Control Points (VCPs) and Cordons
- SAPS are responsible for establishing roadblocks/VCPs and cordons.
- Protect the SAPS while they conduct the operation.
- Positioning of early warning groups.
- Provision of guarding duties to the SAPS in the event of arrested persons.
Provocation/Insults and Disrespect
- Exercise a high tolerance level to provocation/insults and/or disrespect aimed at you or SAPS members.
- Warn civilians to cease with such behaviour.
- Do not assault civilians.
- Do not run away when attacked by civilians.
Self-defence and proper conduct
During the above-mentioned activities, members of the SANDF must always treat the public with respect and human dignity and exercise a high level of tolerance and restraint, the code of conduct states.
“SANDF members are not permitted to make any unauthorised statements to either the public or the media,” the department said.
“Any statements required for the purposes of an investigation by the SAPS must be given after consultation with and in the presence of a military legal practitioner.
“Do not use foul language when communicating with the media or civilians.”
The code of conduct also states clearly that SANDF members have an inherent right to self-defence.
Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has requested the deployment of an additional 25,000 defence personnel to restore order in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng amid ongoing violence, looting, and the destruction of property in those provinces following the arrest of the former president, Jacob Zuma.
The minister reportedly told parliament on Wednesday that she is seeking approval from the National Security Council and president Cyril Ramaphosa.