DA wants Motshekga to account for R823m army deployment

The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to return to Parliament to provide a breakdown of how they would use an R823 million cash injection towards the army's deployment in crime fighting.

The party said the figure was presented to Parliament at the beginning of the month, but there had been no explanation on how the funds would be utilised.

The SANDF is currently assisting police in various provinces to combat crimes such as illegal mining and gang violence, in various provinces and is expected to conclude at the end of March next year.

Nicholas Gotsell, the DA's NCOP member on security and justice, said the party had formally requested that Motshekga and the SANDF appear before both the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Police this Friday.

He said they must provide a full breakdown of the R823.3 million deployment cost, including how the amount was determined and what safeguards were in place to prevent waste or corruption.

"There is a price tag of R823 million. It’s a very specific amount. The price tag was already mentioned two weeks ago, before there was even a plan. It is critically important that this committee, whether it be in joint meeting or separate item, be provided with a breakdown of exactly the SANDF has arrived at the amount of R823.3 million."

He added that a cost breakdown was necessary because the Department of Defence and Military Veterans accounted for 34% of all corruption investigations by the Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks.