Two members of the South African National Defence Force have been charged and granted bail for stealing rifles and pistols from the military base located in Pretoria.
According to a Police Statement Lance Corporal Sidwel Babini Tyawana (36) and Sapper Tumelo Christian Mangale (28) have been arrested after a joint operation was undertaken and found that eighteen (18) R4 rifles and three (3) pistols went missing.
“The joint investigation led to the arrest of Tyawana in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, on 03 February this year. Two days later on 05 February, Mangale was arrested while on duty at SA Army Engineer Formation.” said Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi
Some of the weapons that were stolen were in a hidden location and reports have been made that the rest of the weapons have been sold to individuals in the East Rand area.
Kgotso Mooketsi (36), employee of the Department of Education in Gauteng has been stung in the Springs area due to having in his possesion an R4 rifle with 3 empty magazines.
Mooketsi was on bail at the time of the arrest for another unrelated armed robbery case.
“A relentless pursuit by the joint investigations team led them to Daveyton where a further thirteen (13) R4 rifles and a 9mm pistol were recovered. Another firearm, a 9mm pistol, was recovered in a veld in Kwa-Thema. The recovered firearms were sent for ballistic testing in Pretoria. The two suspects under the employ of the SANDF are expected back in court at Thaba-Tshwane on 17 June 2020.” said Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi
National Head of the DPCI Lieutenant General Godfrey has applauded those working on the case and has urged to not stop until all remaining rifles are returned and those involved are brought to the book.
