The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed strong disapproval regarding the involvement of South African citizens, particularly Aaron Bayhack, a 22-year-old identified as a sniper in the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). This condemnation follows allegations of participation in what the EFF describes as the genocide of Palestinians, which has gone unchecked.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFF articulated its outrage at Bayhack’s actions, which were highlighted in an Al Jazeera documentary titled “The Ghost Unit.” The report claims that Bayhack is part of a team that indiscriminately targets unarmed civilians using live ammunition, particularly in besieged areas around hospitals in Gaza.
The EFF characterized these attacks as indiscriminate and inclusive of all civilians—men, women, and children—who are already suffering amid a humanitarian crisis. They underscored the ongoing plight of Palestinians, noting that the region has endured over 76 years of Israeli occupation, marked by escalating violence and ethnic cleansing, particularly in the past year. Reports indicate that more than 100,000 Palestinians have died, with countless others unaccounted for, as Israel conducts relentless bombings and systematic destruction of essential infrastructure such as homes, schools, and hospitals.
Furthermore, the EFF condemned snipers like Bayhack for their roles in “mercilessly targeting civilians,” conducting horrific actions without facing repercussions. The organization also pointed to various human rights abuses allegedly committed by the IOF, including brutal sexual assaults on Palestinian detainees, home invasions, theft, and extreme torture—all reportedly executed with a sense of “sickening joy,” as evidenced by several videos.
Referring to the Regulation of the Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998, the EFF noted that any individual wishing to provide military assistance in Israel must obtain permission from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC). The party plans to investigate whether Bayhack served in the IOF with appropriate authorization from the Department of Defence, questioning why he has not been prosecuted or had his citizenship revoked, a consequence that former Minister of Foreign Affairs Naledi Pandor had indicated would occur.
The EFF insisted that South Africa cannot harbor citizens who “have no qualms about killing other human beings” without facing any consequences. They cautioned that the current situation involving Palestinians could escalate to affect South Africans based on their identity or beliefs. They criticized the government’s passive response, noting that while the President may express being “shocked,” no substantial actions have been taken to protect citizens.
In light of these developments, the EFF has reached out to both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Defence, urging a thorough investigation into the matter and advocating for the prosecution of individuals joining the IOF, citing violations of the law.
The statement underscores the EFF’s alarm at South African involvement in the Palestinian genocide without repercussions, emphasizing the need for accountability and action against those who align themselves with the IOF.
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