The Valour-class frigate SAS Mendi remains on patrol off the coast of Mozambique as part of Operation Hopper, the South African National Defence Force's Southern African Development Community law-enforcement-at-sea effort. Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu, says the patrol is on “instruction of government.” He was speaking to the media ahead of defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu's budget vote on Wednesday. “Currently the ship is doing very well, patrolling Mozambican waters,” he said without adding any details.
The Mendi as well as South African Air Force aircraft of various types have been seen at and offshore of Pemba in northern Mozambique since late February, but government has been coy on the detail. It is understood the Mendi is carrying a contingent of Special Forces and Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) commandos to conduct boarding operations.
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