AfriForum Calls for Immediate Security Overhaul at SANDF Bases Amidst Rampant Theft and Breaches

In a significant push for improved safety protocols, the civil rights organization AfriForum has urgently called upon Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Defence, to address severe security deficiencies crippling the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) bases. This pressing demand follows various reports concerning the escalated decay of security at these strategic installations, which could potentially undermine the country's national security.

AfriForum, in its plea, highlights an array of distressing security failures prevalent across the SANDF bases, with a particular reference to the Wallmansthal depot located north of Pretoria. This site, one of the largest vehicle storage facilities within the SANDF, has seen an egregious number of thefts and security infringements that stand unaddressed.

The depot has been grappling with nearly nightly thefts where individuals brazenly trespass and steal vehicle parts, among other valuables. Furthermore, local community members' consistent reports to military police have, so far, resulted in negligible efforts to combat this surge in criminal activity.

On top of these security breaches, the Wallmansthal depot was also the site of a recent fire, culminating in the loss of numerous vehicles. Citing this incident, AfriForum underscores the dire need for enhanced fire prevention strategies to forestall future catastrophes of a similar nature.

Pointing to physical decay, the letter from AfriForum illustrates the desolation of security barriers, the ineptitude of entrance controls, and a general discontinuance in maintenance, all contributing to the increased susceptibility of SANDF bases to unauthorized intrusions and acts of delinquency.

Moreover, the need for skilled security personnel, suitably equipped and trained, was stressed as a significant step towards safeguarding military assets and personnel. Underlining this, Jacques Broodryk, as AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for Community Safety, has labelled the persistent security transgressions, especially at the Wallmansthal depot, as frankly intolerable menaces to South Africa's national security. Broodryk's statement comes as a stark reminder that the theft of firearms from defence force bases has become a reality.

A definitive answer from the defence minister, detailing measures and timelines for the enhancement of security at SANDF premises, has been sought by AfriForum – a response that is keenly anticipated in the context of these serious lapses in protection.

It's paramount that swift and decisive measures are implemented to fortify the bases, reinstating their status as safeguarded establishments, thus reasserting citizen's confidence in the national defence's security competencies.