Question to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans - NW1149

09 May 2016 - NW1149

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Whether the commission of inquiry into the incident during which two guards who were attacked by two robbers with knives at the Tempe military base in Bloemfontein in August 2015 and subsequently robbed of their R5 assault firearms has been concluded; if not, why not; if so what were the findings of the specified commission; (2) (a) what progress the Milatry Police have made in this regard and (b) whether (i) the R5 assault rifles have been recovered and (ii) anyone has been arrested in this regard; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Board of Inquiry 12/15 conducted by SA Army Support Base Bloemfontein was completed on 13 October 2015.

FINDINGS OF THE BOARD

Circumstances that caused the loss of 2x weapons (R4’s) and equipment (radio, 2x magazines, 2x weapon belts, 2x lanyards and 60 rounds)

The guards were on official duty when the incident occurred but they were asleep on guard duty. The loss of the weapons and equipment can be contributed to negligence, a lack of discipline and neglect to obey orders and instructions. Security fence, cameras and security lights around the warehouse were not up to standard. The guards did not adhere to the orders of the Adjutant. The guard commander did not post the two guards (Private’s Sam and Mdayi) on 232400B Aug 15 but they were posted by the driver. The training of Protection Services Guards were not up to standard.

Who was responsible for the loss?

02047744 MC Private S. Sam and 08415176 MC Private L.B. Mdayi.

The consequences that it may have for the SANDF

The upgrading of security measures. The development of a specific training program for Protection Services members. The loss of weapons and equipment of R18,483.20.

(2) No suspects have been identified thus far.

(3) No

Source file

RNW1149-160509.docx