JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has refuted claims that the returning troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have surrendered their weapons while passing through Rwanda.

On Sunday, the City Press published an article stating that the SANDF soldiers are without weapons. 

The national defence force accuses the journalist who wrote the article of not verifying the information that was published. 

SANDF spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala has clarified that all transit operations, through partner countries are conducted within the agreement and protocol established between SADC and countries involved. 

“The article is not factual but sensationalist, and it appears to be aimed at creating panic and discrediting all involved. We view this irresponsible reporting in a serious light with a potential to compromise the safety of our troops and carefully coordinated withdrawal process. This article must be condemned with the contempt it deserves.”  By Ntokozo Khumalo, EWN