Tougher penalties due at BDF

Soldiers will face jail terms for using provoking or “reproachful words or gestures” to others, for fighting and quarrelling, not reporting those who challenge others to a fight, using obscene language to superiors and others.

The new rules are contained in the amended BDF Bill gazetted last week and due to be presented to Parliament by the minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi. The amendments provide for maximum sentences of two years after court martial for soldiers engaging in fraternisation.