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Charged With Murder, Promoted to Command

Statement by Chris Hattingh MP – DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by the decision to promote and appoint Brigadier General Solly Lechoenyo to command South Africa’s Special Forces while he is facing serious criminal charges.

At the time this promotion took effect, Brig Gen Lechoenyo was formally charged with murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in the Frans Mathipa case. Six of his co-accused had already had their bail revoked by the High Court and were ordered back to prison. These are among the most serious offences in law.

In cases of this seriousness, senior officers are normally suspended, placed on special leave, or at least relieved of command to prevent any risk of interference and to protect the integrity of investigations. None of those steps appear to have been taken in this case.

Instead, a decision was taken to promote and appoint an accused officer to a senior command post. Promotion is not a routine administrative step. It is a judgement about trust, integrity and fitness to lead.

Ordinary soldiers are usually blocked from promotion while serious criminal cases are pending. Applying a different approach for senior officers undermines discipline and sends the wrong message through the ranks.

The DA has submitted parliamentary questions to establish who approved this promotion, what legal advice was relied upon, and why normal precautionary measures such as suspension or special leave were not applied.

Civilian oversight of the military and equal application of discipline are non-negotiable. The Minister of Defence must account for these decisions fully and transparently.

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