The criminal case against a male soldier arrested for allegedly smuggling military weapons at the Tempe Military base in Bloemfontein is yet to be enrolled by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Crucial information is still required to present a watertight case against the suspect, it has emerged.
Phaladi Shuping, provincial spokesperson for the NPA, says essential information is being awaited from the police, despite the breakthrough made by arresting the 31-year-old soldier in Brandwag, Bloemfontein.
The additional information required is critical to ensure successful prosecution of the suspect.
“The matter was not enrolled, due to insufficient information. The prosecutor has requested the investigating officer to conduct further investigation. A decision will be made once further investigations are concluded,” says Shuping.
The case surrounding the soldier remains ambiguous. It is unclear whether he did appear in court, is still in custody or has been released on bail or not.
Initial charges against the suspect include possession of a police uniform cap, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of a hand grenade.
A police officer has been assigned with the investigation expected to uncover the smuggling of military weapons and the sale thereof, as well as to bring the suspect to book.
Bloemfontein police arrested the suspect on 22 August, acting on reliable information received about the soldier’s alleged secret dealings, as well as the selling of stolen firearms and ammunition to the public.
Incriminating evidence involving suspected stolen items include an antique rifle, a stun grenade, 60 R5 live ammunition pieces, five empty R5 rifle magazines and three empty R1 rifle magazines. In addition, a police uniform cap was also discovered.
Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the police seized a range of items tucked away in a bag in the bedroom of the suspect’s flat.
He said an investigation was ongoing regarding the soldier’s sale and theft of military weapons.
According to the police and the Department of Defence, the weapons seized are estimated to cost R90 000. The soldier, who is still in the employ of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), is facing suspension by his employer, the Department of Defence.
Siphiwe Dlamini, national spokesperson for the Department of Defence, said the employer awaited the outcome of the court proceedings to make a decision regarding the future of the soldier.
