The non-governmental organization Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) today demanded clarification and possible accountability in the case of the video showing alleged South African soldiers burning the bodies of rebels in Mozambique.

"Our first reaction is to repudiate this macabre crime in the light of international humanitarian law, which establishes clear rules on the attitude of military personnel towards soldiers shot from the opposing group," activist and CDD director Adriano Nuvunga told Lusa.

At issue is a video, posted on social media, showing soldiers allegedly from the South African army and other unknown elements throwing corpses onto a pile of burning rubble, an episode that resulted in the opening of an investigation by the South African Armed Forces.

For the CDD director, although the investigation is still ongoing, the authorities can "easily" identify the soldiers involved in the act, which, according to the activist, could generate anger in local communities, drawing more young people into the ranks of the insurgents.

"The insurgency has an internal dimension and an action of this nature could escalate the conflict," said the activist, who argues that the soldiers allegedly involved in the case should be brought to international justice.

According to a note from the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), the incident, which is already being condemned by the South African opposition, took place during the month of November 2022 in Cabo Delgado, where South Africa deployed a military contingent as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). (Lusa)