The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has refuted claims that it hires young children to join the army after advertisements were posted on social media by unknown individuals.

“The recent use of various social media platforms targeting youths as young as 15 years is absolutely unethical, incorrect and should be condemned by all law-abiding citizens of our country,” the SANDF said in a statement late Monday.

The advertisements, posted by suspected scammers, were luring young people to join the army by offering them stipends, free accommodation and free applications, a deviation from their well-known modus operandi of asking for an application fee to make their advertisements enticing.

The unsuspecting applicants are then lured into paying “application fees” by the scammers, who then vanish when the money is paid.

The military said the advertisements are aimed at bringing the institution into disrepute because the constitution of South Africa does not allow for the recruitment of minors.

“It is therefore illegal and unethical to suggest that the SA Army is calling for minors to apply for employment,” the statement said.

SANDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Andries Mokoena Mahapa told local broadcaster NewZroom Afrika that the army is outraged by the scammers and cautioned the public to be aware.

“All the advertisements are fake, and if there is anyone who knows the people behind the adverts, they should report them to the nearest army base or police station,” he said, describing the actions of the scammers as “embarrassing and evil.” (Anadolu Agency)