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Defence Department enforces measures against illegal military base encroachment
The Mercury
|September 26, 2025
THE Department of Defence is prioritising perimeter fencing projects, legal processes, and strengthening security to address illegal encroachment on its territory.
The department has expressed concern about illegal settlements encroaching on military bases. The department has previously warned that encroachment of these settlements poses serious challenges to national security, operational readiness, and the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
Recently, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga revealed a series of measures aimed at protecting the security and operational readiness of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Reports three months ago highlighted the encroachment of informal settlements on 10 key military bases located in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Gauteng.
So serious is the matter that military bases experience continuous theft of vehicle parts, electric cables, office equipment, and other items, as well as illegal electricity connections and water supplies being rerouted by illegal connections.
This story is from the September 26, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
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