Non-governmental organisation AfriForum has urged Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to immediately address critical vulnerabilities that it says are jeopardising national security.

AfriForum sent Motshekga a letter on Wednesday, claiming a series of alarming security failures across SANDF bases, particularly ongoing theft and security breaches at the Wallmansthal depot north of Pretoria – one of the defence force’s largest vehicle depots.

AfriForum requested a detailed response from Motshekga, outlining the steps that will be taken to enhance security at these bases to prevent further incidents.

The organisation also requested a timeline for the implementation of these measures.

“The ongoing security breaches at SANDF bases, particularly at Wallmansthal, are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to our national security. Don’t forget that even firearms have been stolen from defence force bases. We are calling on the Minister of Defence to take immediate and effective action to solve these issues and to ensure that our military terrains are adequately protected,” said AfriForum chief spokesperson for community safety Jacques Broodryk. 

He claimed “almost nightly incidents” of theft at the Wallmansthal depot, where he stated individuals illegally enter the premises to steal vehicle parts and other items.

“Despite numerous reports from local community members to the military police, little has been done to curb these criminal activities,” he pointed out.

AfriForum also highlighted the recent fire at the Wallmansthal depot, which resulted in the destruction of several hundred vehicles, and called for immediate improvements in fire prevention measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In its letter to Motshekga, AfriForum noted crumbling security fences, inadequate entrance control, and the overall lack of maintenance at SANDF bases, which it said were making the terrain vulnerable to unauthorised access and criminal activities.

AfriForum also emphasised the importance of proper training and equipping of security personnel at SANDF bases, noting that current measures were insufficient to protect critical military assets and personnel.