The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been caught in a lie.
Earlier this week, images of a derelict army base in Merebank, south of Durban, published by The Daily News, went viral, sparking widespread public concern. In response, the SANDF issued a press statement dismissing the images as “outdated”, claiming the site had since been “cleared and cleaned”.
But a follow-up visit by on Friday has exposed this claim as false. Watch the video below, which was recorded on Friday, May 16.
Armed with fresh photographs and video footage, confirmed that the base remains in a severe state of neglect – with rusting military trucks, overgrown vegetation, and no evidence of any clean-up.
The SANDF’s misleading statement is now under public scrutiny, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the military. The base, which has reportedly become a haven for homeless individuals, continues to stir fear among Merebank residents concerned about safety and crime in the area.
“This is wrong because we are going to see more crime from people moving into the neighbourhood. At the very least, the government should consider turning this space into a recreational facility for the community,” Mike Moodley, a resident of Merebank, told the Daily news.
In a reply to News about the poor state of the base on Thursday, the SANDF claimed the images taken during the visit were outdated and that the place has since been cleared and cleaned.
“The SANDF is aware of the place in question; however, it must be noted that the image in question and in circulation is outdated. The place has since been cleared and cleaned by the newly appointed Regional Workshop Commander based at the Army Support Base (ASB) Merebank, Durban,” the SANDF said.
“The purpose for clearing the place was in preparation to establish the new Regional Workshop in the ASB”.
However, a follow-up visit to the facility by on Friday revealed no visible signs of cleanup. The same old, rusted trucks remained parked on the premises, and overgrown grass was still evident in the area.
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