“Nothing of Value Stolen”: SANDF Denies Ammo Theft Amid Security Concerns at Air Force Base

In the shadowy world of military security, what constitutes a breach? The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its political critics are offering two starkly different answers following a break-in at the Bloemspruit Air Force Base in Bloemfontein.

The SANDF has issued a firm public assurance, categorically denying media reports that ammunition was stolen during the incident last month. The move is a direct attempt to quell public alarm and shut down what it calls “misleading” and “irresponsible” reporting.

But the official line is being met with fierce political pushback, painting a picture of an institution in crisis, desperately trying to secure its own facilities.

The Official Story: A Case of “Limited Tactical Value”

SANDF national spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala confirmed that a case of housebreaking and theft was reported on the 13th of August and is under investigation by the Military Police.

However, he was adamant about what was not taken. “The SANDF wishes to place on record that no arms or combat weapon systems were stolen, contrary to the claims published in some media reports,” Tshabalala stated.

He downplayed the significance of the theft, explaining that the items interfered with were of “limited tactical value” and did not, in the SANDF’s view, compromise national security or public safety. Citing “operational security,” he declined to provide further specifics on what was actually stolen.

In a curious addendum, the SANDF also strongly refuted attempts to link this break-in to the unrelated theft of an old bus engine from the base in May, which was reportedly earmarked for auction.

The Political Backlash: A “Predictable Result of Rotten Security”

The official denial has done little to satisfy opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the incident as symptomatic of a much deeper rot within the defence force’s infrastructure.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, didn’t mince words. He described the break-in as “not an isolated incident” but the “predictable result of rotten perimeter security, dead alarms, unmonitored CCTV and broken lighting.”

His claims, if accurate, reveal shocking security lapses. He alleged that the theft went entirely unnoticed by roving guards. Furthermore, he stated that the targeted ammunition was only being stored in a hangar because the main ammunition store was itself considered “insecure.”

In response, the DA has formally requested that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence summon a high-level delegation, including Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the Chiefs of the SANDF and Air Force.

The party is demanding a detailed, costed, and funded base-security recovery plan within seven days, complete with named responsible officers and deadlinesa move signaling a complete lack of confidence in the SANDF’s current ability to manage its own security.

The SANDF maintains that security at the base has since been reinforced and that the “integrity of South Africa’s defence capability remains intact.” Yet, the gap between the military’s calm assurances and the damning accusations of systemic failure leaves the public stuck in the middle, forced to decide which version of events to believe about the safety of a facility meant to be among the most secure in the country.

{Source: IOL}

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