Military officers duck court appearance

Johannesburg - Two of three military officers accused of threatening Oudtshoorn police failed to appear in a civilian court last week, The Star reported.

The charges arose from an incident in May last year when the SA Police Service arrested SA National Defence Force members at an unlicensed shebeen in Oudtshoorn.

The three are accused of gathering two platoons in armoured vehicles and turning up at the police station, swearing at and threatening policemen and demanding the release of their colleagues.

They also threatened to bulldoze their police station.

In November, a general and two colonels made their first appearance before a court martial.

Last week, two of them failed to show up at a civilian court, and now face arrest.

The accused are Brigadier-General Xolani Mankayi, Colonel Nkhabu Nthejane and Lieutenant Colonel Siphiwo Mphahlwa Mankayi.

Last month, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqukula told Parliament the police arrested eight SANDF members at the shebeen.

"Two soldiers admitted guilt and each paid a fine of R200. The other six soldiers appeared before the Oudtshoorn Magistrate's Court and their case was withdrawn due to the fact that their summonses were incorrect," she said.