Parliament, Thursday, 18 September 2025 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, has welcomed the arrest of five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and two foreign nationals following an intelligence-led operation in Musina, Limpopo.
The SANDF members and the two foreign nationals face charges, including possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice.
Mr Legoete has strongly condemned the actions of the implicated members, "Such individuals have no place in our defence force. Working with foreign nationals to smuggle illicit goods is a betrayal of the uniform they wear and a direct assault on the integrity of the SANDF. These members have disgraced the trust and responsibility bestowed upon them to defend and protect the sovereignty of our country."
Mr Legoete urged all SANDF personnel members to uphold the highest standards of discipline and patriotism. "We call upon members of the defence force to serve with renewed pride and integrity in their uniform. Greed and corruption must never be allowed to undermine the safety and security of the millions of South Africans who depend on them," he said
Mr Legoete commended the swift action of the SANDF and intelligence services, stressing that the SANDF cannot be a safe haven for criminals masquerading as protectors of the people.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, MR DAKOTA LEGOETE.
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