Drama in remote outpost

ANTARCTIC RESEARCH: ATTACKER SHOWS REMORSE, WILLING TO COOPERATE

- Oratile Mashilo

The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has rejected claims of serious misconduct at South Africa's Antarctic research station, Sanae IV.

This comes after a Sunday Times report alleged disciplinary issues among overwintering team members at the remote base.

The department confirmed on Monday that while an alleged assault was reported on 27 February, the removal of team members from the base was not required.

"If such incidents occurred, the management team of the department would have replaced such an overwintering team member with immediate effect," it said.

But the department confirmed that an internal mediation process had been initiated, following the reported altercation.