Despite having security measures at its military bases, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) admits that criminal incidents “regrettably” still occur, according to Prince Tshabalala, the spokesperson for the defence force.
Tshabalala was responding to a media enquiry by Sunday World regarding an incident that claimed the lives of two SANDF members at the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga last Saturday.
Tshabalala said that last Saturday, a member of the SANDF attacked his fellow soldiers in his quarters.
Self-inflicted wounds
According to Tshabalala, the attacker stabbed himself in the neck and later died from self-inflicted wounds after the victim passed away during the incident.
Sunday World asked Tshabalala this week what security measures the military has put in place to ensure that criminal incidents do not occur on its bases and to prevent SANDF members from committing criminal offences against one another.
“The SANDF takes the safety and security of its members extremely seriously,” Tshabalala said.
“The following measures are in place to prevent incidents of this nature: comprehensive security protocols at all military bases, including controlled access points and monitoring; mandatory mental health evaluations for members, particularly for those displaying
concerning behaviour; ongoing security awareness training to promote discipline and prevent incidents of violence or misconduct; and disciplinary and administrative procedures to manage members who pose a potential risk to themselves or others.
“Despite these measures, isolated incidents regrettably still occur, and the SANDF is
continuously reviewing and strengthening internal policies to prevent similar tragedies.”
Joint investigation underway
The two SANDF members who passed away last Saturday, according to Tshabalala, are Lance Corporal Eric Thanduyise Ngubane and Corporal Simphiwe Philani Nene.
“Both members were proudly serving under 5 South African Infantry Battalion based in
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, and were deployed at Macadamia Base as part of Operation
Corona, a national border safeguarding mission.
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; the deputy ministers of defence and military veterans, Major-General [retired] Bantu Holomisa and Mr Richard Hlophe; together with the acting secretary for defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, send their condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family,” said Tshabalala.
He said that both the police service and the SANDF’s military police division are currently looking into the deaths of the two soldiers.
“A joint investigation is being conducted to establish the full circumstances leading to the incident.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with SAPS [SA Police Service] to ensure that justice takes its course.”
