The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) seeking access to a report on criminal activity within the military. The allegations involve a rogue unit implicated in kidnapping and torture. The PAIA application was directed to General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of SANDF, as the opposition party presses for transparency.

The DA asserts that releasing the report is crucial for public interest, particularly as some victims of torture were civilians. The party is particularly alarmed by revelations from civil society organization Open Secrets, which exposed a military squad allegedly responsible for torture and murder. This rogue unit, comprising the Special Forces Brigade, Military Police, Defence Intelligence, and Defence Legal Services, is accused of operating with impunity and contributing to a potential criminal conspiracy within the SANDF.

According to the investigative report by Open Secrets, at least four SANDF units are implicated: the Special Forces Brigade, Military Police, Defence Intelligence, and Defence Legal Services. The investigation dates back to 2019, revealing concerns of a large-scale criminal conspiracy within the military.

The revelations connect to a missing weapons case in 2019, where 18 R4 rifles were stolen from the SA Army Engineer Formation base. The investigation into the theft involved Military Police, who identified suspects, including Lance-Corporal Sidwell Babini Tyawana and Sapper Tumelo Christian Mongale. Tyawana, believed to be the mastermind, cooperated with authorities, leading to a mission to recover the rifles.

Led by Special Forces, the mission involved torture and abduction, and Open Secrets gained insight into their role in the torture and murder of a civilian named Sphamandla. The investigation indicates that Special Forces sought information about the stolen weapons and was willing to use extreme measures, allegedly leading to Sphamandla's death.

The alleged torture squad was led by Colonel Sunnybooi Pinny Wambi. The investigation reveals a culture of intimidation, secrecy, and impunity within the military.

Despite the completion of an SANDF board of inquiry, headed by Brigadier-General John Moorhouse, into alleged criminal activity within the military, the final report remains unpublished. General Maphwanya, who who received the report, has so far refused to make the findings public.

Kobus Marais, DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, underscores the significance of the report's release, connecting it to investigations into the assassination of Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa and the death of a civilian, Sphamandla, allegedly tortured by members of the rogue unit.

Open Secrets has been publishing a series of stories implicating multiple SANDF units in crimes dating back to 2019, including torture, murder, and possible criminal conspiracies within the military. The DA emphasizes the need to hold individuals accountable for such heinous crimes and calls for transparency and justice.