IN CONVERSATION WITH PRINCE TSHABALALA Rear Admiral (Junior Grade)
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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed serious concern over the continued illegal use of its official camouflage uniform in criminal activities across the country.
In a statement, the SANDF confirmed the authenticity of a viral video circulating on social media showing individuals dressed in SANDF combat gear allegedly involved in theft and acts of intimidation within communities. The military emphasised that the individuals seen in the footage were not authorised to wear the SANDF’s patented camouflage uniform and were in no way affiliated with or representing the defence force.
The SANDF reminded the public that its camouflage uniform is a registered and protected design, reserved exclusively for use by authorised members of the force, or individuals specifically approved by the Chief of the SANDF as honorary members of designated units or bases.
The Defence Act 42 of 2002, Section 104 (5) and (6), clearly prohibits unauthorised possession or use of military uniforms. It states that any person who, without proper authority, wears or possesses official military attire, badges, or crests—or commits any act while dressed in such attire—commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine or imprisonment of up to five years.
The SANDF has urged members of the public, as well as clothing manufacturers and retailers, to immediately cease producing, selling, or using SANDF camouflage patterns for personal or commercial purposes.
The military further warned that anyone found wearing or misusing SANDF uniforms without authorisation will face prosecution. “Wearing the SANDF uniform when you are not a member of the defence force is a criminal offence, and offenders will be dealt with harshly,” the statement concluded.
In a statement, the SANDF confirmed the authenticity of a viral video circulating on social media showing individuals dressed in SANDF combat gear allegedly involved in theft and acts of intimidation within communities. The military emphasised that the individuals seen in the footage were not authorised to wear the SANDF’s patented camouflage uniform and were in no way affiliated with or representing the defence force.
The SANDF reminded the public that its camouflage uniform is a registered and protected design, reserved exclusively for use by authorised members of the force, or individuals specifically approved by the Chief of the SANDF as honorary members of designated units or bases.
The Defence Act 42 of 2002, Section 104 (5) and (6), clearly prohibits unauthorised possession or use of military uniforms. It states that any person who, without proper authority, wears or possesses official military attire, badges, or crests—or commits any act while dressed in such attire—commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine or imprisonment of up to five years.
The SANDF has urged members of the public, as well as clothing manufacturers and retailers, to immediately cease producing, selling, or using SANDF camouflage patterns for personal or commercial purposes.
The military further warned that anyone found wearing or misusing SANDF uniforms without authorisation will face prosecution. “Wearing the SANDF uniform when you are not a member of the defence force is a criminal offence, and offenders will be dealt with harshly,” the statement concluded.
