Dear Editor
The criminal investigation into how over R250 million was misspent by the SA National Defence Force in 2020 on an unapproved anti-COVID vaccine from Cuba, is advancing again after significant DA pressure.
Both the HAWKS and the SIU are proceeding with this investigation, and complainant statements were taken in person this week to support the charges the DA laid with the SAPS in 2022.
Because the criminal investigation had gone dead, the DA used Parliamentary Questions to the Minister of Police to prompt him on the delay in the investigation, and wrote letters to the Minister too, and following this DA intervention the criminal investigation has been revived.
The DA will now push for concrete timelines for the full investigation of this case, and our expectation that it will be handed over for prosecution.
Those responsible for SANDF Cuban Covid looting spree under the guise of a public health emergency must be held to account – no matter their rank or political connection.
During the most recent sitting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD), the DA successfully proposed that all Hawks and SIU investigations into corruption and maladministration in the SANDF – including this scandal – be reported on quarterly. The committee supported this proposal, marking a critical step in restoring transparency and oversight in historical defence misspending.
“Whilst always abroad”, Minister Motshekga may be comfortable with impunity in uniform. The DA is not.
We will continue to demand answers and ensure that the Minister of Defence focusses her attention on Defence priorities inland.
Regards
Nicholas Gotsell MP
DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice