- The Hawks and military police have clashed over a raid on controversial Cuban drugs.
- The drugs were procured by the SANDF last year for use in the treatment of Covid-19, even though not approved for use in SA.
- The procurement process has since been found to be flawed by the Auditor-General.
A standoff between the Hawks and military police ensued on Friday, over a controversial medication, according to the Sunday Times.
The Hawks and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) attempted to confiscate stores of Heberon Interferon-Alpha-2B at the South African Military Health Service’s (SAMHS’s) depot in Pretoria. They were, however, made to leave after a confrontation.
An "incident" was confirmed by both SAHPRA and the police ministry, the publication reported.
The drug was reportedly purchased by the SANDF for the treatment of Covid-19 and brought into the country, even though it is not registered for use by SAHPRA.
In April, defence force officials spent R215 million on three consignments of the drug Heberon Alpha R 2B, also known as interferon.
Interferons are proteins used in the body as part of its natural defence against viruses. The Interferon Alpha-2B, manufactured by a Cuban-Chinese company, is believed to be effective in the fight against the coronavirus.
News24 previously reported that the SANDF was hit by allegations that it had spent R215 million on the drug.
The Auditor-General identified several shortcomings in the planning, procurement, transportation, warehousing and recording of medicines, prompting the sitting of a panel to determine whether the Military Ombud should investigate the deal.
The drugs were reportedly smuggled into the county on a SA Airways flight carrying Cuban doctors sent to aid in the fight against coronavirus.
It is unclear why the Hawks were denied entry, but a source told Sunday Times it could be due to incorrect documentation or a lack of jurisdiction on the base.
In a statement released on Thursday, the SANDF said a Military Command meeting had been held to "deliberate on the matter concerning the registration and use of the Interferon B drug for the military community".
The statement says the SANDF acquired the medication from Cuba on an emergency basis following the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020.
"The SANDF embarked on extensive and intensive consultations with fraternal militaries that we have bilateral and cooperation agreements," the statement says.
The SANDF added that the drug was procured "for the sole use by members of the SANDF who were employed to assist the country in managing the pandemic.
The South African Military Health Services applied for the use of the drug to Sahpra, and this was approved on 5 October, the statement read.
"As the Military Command, we want to put it on record that the Surgeon-General is the only authority for medical force protection in the SANDF during war time and peace time. The health and lives of our soldiers is of paramount importance."
- Compiled by Nicole McCain