By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) in tandem with the South African Police Service (SAPS) have successfully conducted an intelligence driven operation in Mooiplaas, Pretoria which resulted in the recovery of stolen military weapons and have apprehended three suspects in the process.
The defense force released a statement on Tuesday that they had “Mobilised on foot” to arrest two foreign nationals and had successfully recovered a multiple grenade launcher and an R4 assault rifle.
“The suspects appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrate Court on 08 June 2026, where bail was denied. The case was remanded to 19 June 2026,” the SANDF said in a statement.
The statement also mentioned that another operation was conducted in Mooiplaas last week Wednesday by SANDF’s 13 Provost Company and arrested another foreign national and had recovered one multiple grenade launcher.
“The Military Police remain resolute in their mission: they will not rest until every suspect has been brought to justice and the last outstanding weapon has been recovered” the SANDF said in statement.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Carl Niehaus, who sits as a member of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans had recently spoken out against the recent theft of military arms and stated that this incident indicates the collapse of the SANDF.
“This is not some distant historical footnote. This is happening right now, in the heart of the country’s largest military establishment, under the watch of the ANC led Government of National Unity. And it’s the latest, most brazen chapter in a story I have been warning about for years” said Niehaus.
The Military precinct along with 1 Military Hospital have been making waves in the news regarding concerns about the poor condition of the hospital despite the fact that R1 billion being allocated towards and spent on renovations.
The SANDF eventually admitted that the hospital will be unable to reach modern standards despite this budget allocated to facilitate these requirements as they made this admission through an article by The Star newspaper.
“The present facility no longer meets the standard required for a military hospital of its kind, and a recommendation is being considered for construction of a new facility. The present facility may not accommodate the latest medical equipment even after refurbishment.” said Director of Defence Corporate Communication, Brigadier General Selinah Rawlins.