Navy chief's disciplinary now in Cyril, Motshekga's hands

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa kept his cards close to the chest about the disciplinary proceedings against Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese for decrying the defunding of the army.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Holomisa said Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has already started the process to consult on the issue of disciplinary action against the navy boss.

He said the disciplining of Lobese depended on Motshekga and the commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Until such time that they had engaged him, we will not be in a position to respond to your question, because now if I attempt to address that question, it will be like I am basing my answer on high level gossip”

Lobese recently criticised the underfunding of the country’s defence force, questioning whether those responsible for cutting the Defence budget “may be directly or indirectly influenced” by criminal networks benefiting from weakened maritime surveillance.