Forty-two members of the SA National Defence Force are currently suspended with full pay pending disciplinary hearings - including three senior officers who are on suspension in connection with high treason.

A written reply to a Democratic Alliance parliamentary question neither identifies the three by name nor gives details of their alleged crime against the state. High treason is defined as engaging in activities with the intent to overthrow the state.

The reply gives the reason for the delay in finalising their disciplinary hearings as "awaiting civil court appeal proceedings".

The other 39 SANDF members have been suspended on full pay in connection with murder; rape; arson; armed robbery; housebreaking; theft of state funds, military equipment, rations and fuel; bribery; and threats and intimidation.

Democratic Alliance defence spokesperson Rafeek Shah has urged Defence Minister Charles Nqakula to spell out in detail how he plans to deal with ill-discipline in the armed forces.

• This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on October 13, 2008

With acknowledgements to Gaye Davis and Cape Argus.