Pretoria – The theft of a number of R4 rifles and 40 mm rocket launchers from the South African Nationwide Defence Pressure (SANDF) Tekbase facility at Lyttelton Army Base in Pretoria places the highlight on the integrity of its safety programs.
Commenting on the matter, the Public Servants Affiliation (PSA) expressed “excessive concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the latest safety breach on the Tekbase facility.
“The theft of high-grade navy weaponry raises pressing questions concerning the integrity of safety programs at SANDF amenities and the accountability of these entrusted with safeguarding these essential property,” the PSA mentioned on Monday, 4 Could 2026.
“This alarming incident represents a failure of inner controls and a big risk to nationwide safety.”
Much more alarming was that this incident was not remoted.
It follows intently after the 2025 theft at Bloemspruit Air Pressure Base, the place critical lapses in safety infrastructure, together with damaged alarm programs and unmonitored surveillance, had been cited as contributing elements.
The PSA mentioned the recurrence of such breaches factors to systemic weaknesses that require instant and decisive intervention.
“If closely guarded navy installations may be compromised so simply, what assurances may be given to the residents of South Africa relating to their security?” requested the involved union.
“The potential circulation of military-grade weapons within the public area poses a direct and unacceptable threat to communities.”
The PSA known as on the SANDF management and the Division of Defence to conduct an pressing, complete audit of safety programs throughout all navy bases.
“These accountable should be held accountable for negligence or complicity in these breaches,” the union said.
“Sturdy, modernised surveillance and entry management programs should be applied.
“Inner vetting processes should be strengthened to stop insider threats.”
The PSA additionally urged Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Army Veterans to train rigorous oversight and be certain that corrective measures had been applied immediately.
“South Africans deserve a defence pressure that’s disciplined, safe, and able to defending its property and residents,” the union mentioned.
“Continued failures of this nature erode public belief and compromise the mandate of the SANDF.”
The PSA mentioned it would monitor developments intently and advocate for accountability and reform within the curiosity of public security.
