The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), on Wednesday 22 October, issued a statement that expressed concern about illegal wearing of the service’s combat dress (camouflage), and especially for the purposes of committing crimes.
It came after a video clip of criminals wearing such uniforms on one of their sprees had gone viral on social-media platforms.
“The SANDF can confirm the video clip that has gone viral on social-media platforms depicting people believed to be thieving and terrorising communities wearing patented SANDF camouflage uniform artifacts are by no means authorised to wear these, and they certainly do not represent the interests of the defence force in any way, shape or form.”
The SANDF advised members of the public that the camouflage is a registered patent, for the sole use of authorised defence personnel (on legitimate defence-related business).
It said wearing such gear when not personnel is a punishable offence, and anyone found doing so would be prosecuted.
