The NN Commando – End of the road and ten years on

MEMBERS of the Northern Natal Commando recently commemorated the 10 year anniversary of the disbandment and closure of the unit.

Following the somewhat controversial and sudden closure of the highly effective commando unit back in 2005, more than 22 soldiers were left without an adequate source of income to support their families.According to a report in the Vryheid Herald at the time of the disbandment, the Northern Natal Commando (Vryheid) had been awarded the Best Commando in KZN for four consecutive years. In the week following the closure of the Commando, which was shut down based on unsubstantiated allegations of firearm and ammunition theft by the Minister of Defence at that time, stock theft in various areas, where the Commando had been active before their closure, increased considerably. Despite extensive investigation by the Defence Force into the allegedly fabricated claims against the Northern Natal Commando, no grounds were discovered to substantiate the untimely disbandment of the unit. On the contrary, it was ascertained that the Northern Natal Commando operated within the law at all times and under all circumstances. But the unit remained closed and criminal activity subsequently increased, regardless of a lack of evidence of any form of misconduct by the Commando.

Ten years on and the camaraderie between members is still strong. Those who attended recalled with fondness the memories of their time spent as members of an elite unit of brave and disciplined individuals.

Helmutt Filter, who is in the final stages of compiling a book about Vryheid’s Northern Natal Commando, was also in attendance and discussed the publication of said book with those present.

Those who arranged the event would like to thank Dee’s for providing them with a venue for this auspicious gathering of unsung heroes.