The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed claims that its personnel were deployed to Matatiele in the Eastern Cape to monitor a community-led protest against gender-based violence (GBV).
Residents in the area have been demonstrating in response to the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl, reportedly a school learner, which has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
According to the SANDF, the presence of its soldiers during the protest was coincidental, as their deployment in the region is part of a broader safeguarding operation unrelated to the demonstration.
The defence force emphasised its commitment to gender equality and highlighted its support for initiatives aimed at addressing the high rates of violence against women and children in the country. It also reaffirmed that it stands behind all efforts, both institutional and grassroots, to combat GBV.
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