CAPE TOWN - A Cape Town fashion designer is demanding the SANDF return his camouflage pants, which they took from him earlier this month.
The man from Hanover Park says he designs clothes for a living, which are mostly inspired by his surroundings.
But what Zughdi Mohammed did not expect was for soldiers from Operation Prosper to stop him and tell him to take his pants off.
He said an armed soldier then followed him home.
"They didn't just take a pair of pants away from me; they took my art, and they took my work," he said.
"I felt humiliated, and I felt embarrassed. Walking with a soldier behind my back with a gun escorting me to take my pants off."
Mohammed says he felt so good about creating a three-piece ensemble from an old tent.
"Obviously I want my pants back. I am walking around with a jacket with no pants. I want it back. It will make me feel whole again."
He has lodged a complaint with the military ombud's office.
The Defence Act states that official SANDF camouflage is a registered military uniform reserved for authorised members.
Its unauthorised use or modification may constitute an offence under the Defence Act.
If found guilty, you could get a fine or be handed a prison term.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.