The ‘embarrassing’ theft of automatic rifles from a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) base in December ‘ is a symptom of bigger problems in the SANDF’, the DA says.
The theft ‘yet again exposes the deterioration of the defence capabilities of the SANDF under the ANC and the political guardianship of Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula,’ said DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kobus Marais.
‘What does this hold for South Africans at a time when they need to know the SANDF will keep them safe, as per the requirements of Section 200 of the Constitution? It certainly poses various questions about the preparedness of the SANDF to not only protect us as citizens but [to guarantee the security of] the supposedly safe and protected military installations all over South Africa.’
Marais said the SANDF had ‘let the nation down as criminals were allowed to stroll into the Littleton Military Base, and walk off with at least 19 R4 automatic rifles, manufactured for extreme warfare. It is outrageous to even consider that access could be gained into a supposedly highly protected military facility and [that the culprits could] grind open a vault where ammunition is kept’.
‘Having such arms on the streets poses a threat to the safety of citizens and the security of the Republic.’
He added: ‘This incident demands that SANDF commanding officers, the Secretary of Defence and the Minister of Defence cancel their holidays, to launch an investigation and track down the stolen arms. It is their constitutional responsibility and is the least they should do, in order to show South Africans they are serious about fighting crime and upholding the security of the country.’