SANDF arrests five men, warns against criminal activity near military bases
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has warned civilians that its military bases were 'sanctuaries of national security and not safe harbours for criminals'.
The stern warning comes after soldiers apprehended five suspects believed to be involved in a criminal syndicate targeting civilian vehicles in and outside military establishments.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of Defence said the suspects were caught using the area in the vicinity of Tek Base in Tshwane 'as a sanctuary for their illegal operations'.
A video of the incident went viral on social media.
Defence spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala said on 4 May, vigilant members of Tek Base recovered a white Toyota Fortuner that was suspected to have been stolen near the SA Army Engineers Formation.
READ | How budget cuts and strategic challenges undermine SANDF's peacekeeping capacity
The prompt intervention by the members of Tek Base, along with the coordination between SAPS and the Military Police, led to the arrest of five men.
'These suspects were also found in possession of a second vehicle, a white Kia with falsified licence discs, raising further suspicions of an organised illegal vehicle syndicate,' Tshabalala added.
The vehicles were impounded for further forensic investigation.
'The soldiers who attended and managed the scene with professionalism and bravery are a true embodiment of the SANDF discipline and duty calling.'
He added that military bases were protected zones and that civilians found within or near military facilities engaging in criminal conduct would face the full might of the law.
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