Gone rogue - SANDF members and two foreigners to appear in court for stealing illicit cigarettes
Five South African National Defence Force members and two foreign nationals will appear in court today on a raft of charges including possession of illicit cigarettes.
Image: File
Five South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members and two Zimbabwean nationals will appear in the Musina Magistrates’ Court today. They face charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice
The SANDF members together with the two foreign nationals were arrested in an intelligence-led operation in Musina on Tuesday, September 16.
Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately midnight on September 16, a group of SANDF members allegedly conducted an unauthorised operation at Artonvilla, Musina (also known as Sediba sa Tlou base).
Shots were fired, forcing cigarette smugglers to flee, leaving 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes which were allegedly stolen by the SANDF members and undocumented Zimbabweans.
Image: File: SAPS
It is alleged that the members, acting in concert with two Zimbabwean nationals, attempted to unlawfully intercept a group of smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes into South Africa. During the incident, shots were reportedly fired, illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base.
Following credible intelligence, a joint operation by the SANDF Military Police, Military Intelligence, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) was launched that morning. The team discovered six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes inside the base, in addition to the 18 boxes that had already been handed over to SARS. The suspects initially attempted to obstruct the investigation and deny access to the premises. However, after engagement with senior SANDF officers, the search was successfully conducted.
According to a statement by the Department of Defence, the arrests coincides with an operational staff visit conducted by Chief of Defence Intelligence over two days in Limpopo.
"The operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the SANDF deployed Intelligence and Counter Intelligence members in the Area of Operations. This success coincides with the operational staff visit conducted by Chief of Defence Intelligence over a period of 2 days in the Limpopo area of deployment where she impressed on the Intelligence members to conduct their business diligently and with no fear or favour and to intensify anti-corruption and counter smuggling monitoring in the border areas," read the statement by spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala.
"The SANDF views these allegations in a very serious light. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the Defence Force and the trust placed in its members by the Republic of South Africa. The SANDF will cooperate fully with SAPS, SARS, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served," said Tshabalala.
He said that the Chief of the SANDF has directed that internal disciplinary processes run concurrently with criminal proceedings, and the outcome of these processes will determine further administrative and command decisions.
"The SANDF reiterates its zero tolerance stance on corruption, smuggling, and misconduct within its ranks. Any member found to be acting in contravention of the law will face the full consequences of both military and civilian justice systems," said Tshabalala.