Southern African Development Community ARTICLE 6 GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL OF ASSISTANCE 1. 2. Assistance may be refused, if in the opinion of the Requested State: (a) the request relates to a political offence or an offence of a political character; (b) the request relates to an offence under military law which would not be an offence under ordinary criminal law; (c) the execution of the request would impair its sovereignty, security, public order, public interest or prejudice the safety of any person; or (d) the request is not made in conformity with this Protocol. Reasons shall be given for any refusal of mutual assistance. ARTICLE 7 LOCATING AND IDENTIFYING PERSONS, PROPERTY, OBJECTS OR ITEMS The competent authorities of the Requested State shall endeavour to ascertain the location and identity of persons, property, objects or items specified in the request. ARTICLE 8 SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS 1. The Requested State shall serve any document transmitted to it for the purpose of service. 2. The Requesting State shall transmit a request for the service of a document pertaining to a response or appearance in the Requesting State within a reasonable time, before the scheduled response or appearance. 3. The Requested State shall return a proof of service in the manner required by the Requesting State. SADC Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters 7