According to a SAPS media statement, 2 suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing rifles from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) military base in Pretoria and being in possession of empty magazines.
The two suspects, Lance Corporal Sidwel Babini Tyawana (36) and Sapper Tumelo Christian Mangale (28) were arrested after the Military Police and Gauteng branch of the Hawks National Priority Violent Crimes (NPVC) implemented a joint investigation. The investigating units found out that eighteen R4 rifles and three pistols went missing from SA Army Engineer Formation, Tek Base in Lyttelton.
On 3 February, Tyawana was arrested in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape and two days later Mangale was arrested while being on duty at the SA Army Engineer Formation.
“The joint investigation discovered that the stolen firearms were hidden, whilst others were sold to different individuals, particularly in the East Rand area.”
Thirteen R4 rifles and a 9mm pistol were recovered in Daveyton and another 9mm pistol was recovered in a veld in Kwa-Thema. These recovered firearms were sent to Pretoria for ballistic testing.
“The two suspects under the employ of the SANDF are expected back in court at Thaba-Tshwane on 17 June.”
