Cape Town - It may be fashionable and trendy, but wearing camo or army print clothing can land you in hot water with a jail term of up to five years.
This is what the SANDF said after it was established that too many members of the public used similar clothing to members of the SANDF.
It made it difficult to differentiate between members of the public and soldiers.
The Defence Act 42 of 2002, Section 104 (5) and (6) stipulates that: “Any person who, without authority, possesses or wears prescribed uniforms, distinctive marks or crests, or performs any prohibited act while wearing such uniform or with such uniform, distinctive marks or crests, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
SANDF spokesperson Brigadier Mafi Mgobozi said the SANDF was “highly concerned” by the growing trend among the public who, knowingly or unknowingly, wore and or were in possession of, either complete or various items of the SANDF combat dress (camouflage) illegally.
Camo prints have become an international trend with celebrities like Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian spotted wearing them. Fashion commentator Thandolwethu Tsekiso said the SANDF was “over-reacting”.