How did this happen? An officer facing murder charges promoted to lead Special Forces

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding urgent answers from the Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga after an officer facing charges of murder, kidnapping and conspiracy was promoted to lead South Africa’s Special Forces.

Brigadier General Solly Lechoenyo was formally charged at the time of his promotion, but instead of being suspended, he was given the job of one of SANDF’s most sensitive command posts.

Lechoenyno is one of several soldiers charged in the Frans Mathipa case.

Six of his co-accused are back in jail, having had their bail revoked by the High Court.

For Hennie van Vuuren, founder and director of Open Secrets, the decision raises red flags that go far beyond party politics.

"What's crucial is that a top cop is allegedly murdered by a group of army officials."

He says it is 'extraordinary' that Lechoenyo's promotion went ahead while he stood accused of such serious crimes.

"There is a requirement in the SANDF if you are promoted to a higher rank as an officer, that you can't have any criminal record and from what I understand, you cannot be charged for any crime."

Moreover, the appointment of the Brigadier-General was a significant one within the army.

"This wasn't a junior role. The special forces are almost placed on par with the army, the navy and the airforce effectively in terms of rank."

Questions are now being asked about who approved the appointment, what legal advice was considered, and whether established military procedures were ignored.

"At the very least, the head of legal services should have provided adequate advice to say, you can proceed with this appointment, but be aware this is a matter that will be heard in court, and so the advice is, until this is done and clarified, you can't promote somebody in this manner to such a sensitive position."

Van Vuuren says the decision is 'highly problematic' and the President's responsibility to review.

To listen to Van Vuuren in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below: