A late-August ammunition theft from Bloemspruit Air Force Base in Bloemfontein has called into question the South African National Defence Force’s ability to secure its weapons and maintain credibility. Ammunition, including rounds reportedly returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo for Rooivalk helicopters, was stolen while on-site guards missed the intrusion, and the military remains unable to determine precisely when the incident occurred. The lapse is now the subject of a formal board of inquiry.

An Air Force inspector-general had previously warned of vulnerabilities such as broken fencing, non-functioning alarms, inadequate lighting, and cameras that were not monitored. No corrective action was taken, increasing the likelihood that high-grade munitions could already be in criminal hands. A defence spokesperson conceded that “roving guards did not notice it,” a comment reflecting deep operational failings.

The Democratic Alliance has pressed Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF leaders to explain these failures to Parliament’s Defence Committee. The party has demanded a dated, costed, and fully funded base-security recovery plan within seven days, complete with assigned officers, deadlines, and deliverables.

Recent data confirms a persistent problem. A ministerial reply revealed that since 2019-20, the SANDF has lost or had stolen a total of 51 weapons, including the theft of 18 R4 rifles and two pistols in 2019, alongside thousands of rounds of ammunition. In February 2025, police in KwaZulu-Natal discovered SANDF-issue uniforms, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition in civilian possession, triggering further parliamentary scrutiny over state armoury leaks. The Bloemfontein heist follows an alleged July robbery at an Armscor dockyard in Simon’s Town.

This incident illustrates that without immediate improvements in base security and accountability, the SANDF risks further losses and reputational harm. Continued inaction will undermine the Defence Force’s ability to reassure the public and deter future threats.