In coordinated intelligence-driven operations conducted in June 2026, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Police, working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), recovered stolen military weapons and arrested three foreign nationals in the Mooiplaas area of Pretoria.
The operations stemmed from a burglary at a SANDF facility in the Thaba Tshwane area (also referred to as Tek Base in Lyttelton), discovered in late April 2026. Intruders gained access to a weapons storeroom, resulting in the theft of at least three R4 assault rifles and two 40mm multiple grenade launchers. The incident has been described as a calculated breach, prompting an active investigation by military police and SAPS to locate the missing arms and identify those responsible.
First Operation: 7 June 2026
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team including members from the Thaba Tshwane Military Police Area Office, the Northern Military Police Region Specialist Investigation Team, Police Intelligence, and SAPS Pretoria Central mobilized on foot in Mooiplaas to minimize detection. Officers arrested two foreign nationals and recovered one multiple grenade launcher and one R4 assault rifle.
The two suspects appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on 8 June 2026. Bail was denied, and the case was postponed to 19 June 2026. The operation was commanded by Maj Chauke, with SSgt Godi serving as the investigating officer.
Follow-Up Operation: 17 June 2026
Investigators returned to Mooiplaas on 17 June with fresh leads. The team, reinforced by members of the SANDF’s 13 Provost Company, arrested a third foreign national and recovered another multiple grenade launcher.
The third suspect was scheduled to make his first court appearance following the arrest.
SANDF authorities have stated that the Military Police remain committed to pursuing all individuals involved and recovering any remaining stolen weapons from the April burglary. The operations highlight ongoing efforts to disrupt the circulation of military-grade arms in criminal networks.
These recoveries represent a partial success in addressing the theft from the Pretoria-area base. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a notable 2019 breach at the Lyttelton military base, underscoring persistent security challenges at SANDF installations.
The SANDF and SAPS have not released further details on the nationalities of the suspects, additional charges, or the full scope of the investigation at this stage. Investigations continue with the aim of fully accounting for the stolen inventory and preventing the weapons from being used in further criminal activities.
