SANDF members arrested for corruption

Five members of the South African National Defence Force, SANDF, together with two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court, Limpopo, on Thursday on charges of corruption.

Their arrests followed an incident at Artonvilla, along the first Malaladrift road near the Limpopo River, where they allegedly conspired to intercept and steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes being smuggled into South Africa.

ALSO READ: SANDF soldier killed by elephants in Limpopo

During the operation, shots were reportedly fired, forcing smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes. Six boxes were later recovered inside a temporary military camp, resulting in the arrest of the SANDF members.

Further investigations led to follow-up operations at several houses in Matswale, Musina. At Phase 12, police recovered eighteen rounds of live ammunition, six 303 rifle rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms.

ALSO READ: Remains of 14 SANDF soldiers handed to families

At another residence in Matswale Extension 09, police arrested two more suspects after recovering three 9mm live rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms.

They also face charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, defeating the ends of justice, contravention of the Immigration Act, unlawful possession of ammunition, and impersonating military officials.

Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift and coordinated response of the joint law enforcement teams.

She stressed that corruption and criminality involving members entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s security will be dealt with decisively.