Suspects believed to be behind the break-in at the SA National Defence Force’s (SANDF) base earlier this week were allegedly identified and under intense investigation.
“The minister of defence and military veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, would like to take all law-abiding citizens into confidence and indicate that 11 suspects have been identified and are currently under high level investigation,” departmental spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said adding the minister was in constant consultations with the SANDF’s chief on the matter.
This after 19 R4 rifles were stolen from the SANDF’s Engineering Formation, Lyttelton Tek Base during a break-in on Monday.
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Shortly after the robbery Dlamini confirmed investigations were underway and that “a few” suspects were taken in for questioning.
The minister was also said to be “confident” the investigations would yield the required results and that all perpetrators “albeit any member(s) of the SANDF” and ordinary civilians would be subjected to the applicable laws of the country.
“In expediting and supporting the investigation, the minister has instructed the defence force’s chief to cancel all vacation leave for members of the military command council, including the relevant command structures at all levels to ensure all key infrastructure of the SANDF throughout the country are secured, and to give assurance that citizens are and feel safe,” he said.
Dlamini again reiterated the minister was constantly briefed on all developments and progress on the matter and assured citizens that the outcome of the investigation would be communicated once it was complete.
Reports of the recovery of the automatic firearms were denied.
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