Military Ombud reports rise in complaints but a drop in SANDF misconduct issues

THE Office of Military Ombud received 590 new complaints from soldiers and members of the public during the 2024/25 financial year that ended in March.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The office, which investigated complaints from serving and former members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and from members of the public regarding the conduct of soldiers, said the number of complaints relating to the official conduct of members has been gradually declining.

In his annual report, Military Ombud, retired lieutenant-general Vusumuzi Masondo, said his office recorded an increase in the intake of new complaints in 2024/25 compared to previous financial years.

"The office managed a caseload of 662 complaints, comprising 590 new complaints received during the financial year and 72 carried over from the previous year," Masondo said.

He said of the 590 new complaints received, 269 were submitted by members of the SANDF, raising concerns about their conditions of service.