SWAZI ARMY RECRUIT FIRED OVER R40 AND A LOAF OF BREAD
‘HUNGRY’ SOLDIER BOOTED FROM ACADEMY — AS CLAIMS OF FOOD SHORTAGES ROCK MILITARY TRAINING CAMP
By The Day Star News
A Swazi Army recruit has been booted out of military training over the alleged theft of just R40 and a loaf of bread — in a bizarre saga that has raised eyebrows over conditions at the country’s military academy.
Siyanda Myeni, of Mbangweni under Shiselweni II Inkhundla, was dismissed from the MbuluzI Military Academy and ordered to leave after allegedly taking the cash and bread from another recruit.
Yes, R40 and a loaf of bread.
But behind the almost comical charge lies a more serious allegation: recruits are reportedly struggling to get enough food.
According to military sources cited by Swaziland News, the alleged theft happened amid food shortages at the academy, with claims that training began without a sufficient budget.
Army Commander Moses MashikilIsane Fakudze (pictured) is reported to have ordered Myeni’s dismissal.
The recruit had qualified during the recent Tinkhundla recruitment, but his military career was abruptly cut short.
The saga has also triggered uncomfortable questions about alleged double standards after claims emerged that Captain Foster Fakudze, the Army Commander’s son, was once caught stealing beef at the academy but was not dismissed.
Instead, according to the report, some officers who worked with him were transferred to other army barracks.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Shiselweni II Indvuna Yenkhundla Ndumiso Lucas Nzima confirmed Myeni’s dismissal but declined to discuss the circumstances, referring questions to the recruit or his parents.
“Kindly speak to him or his parents who will share the details. I can’t comment on this issue,” he said.
Attempts to reach Myeni and his father were unsuccessful, while Army spokesperson Major Sandile Gwebu declined to comment.
And in another curious twist, Myeni was reportedly not replaced by another recruit from Shiselweni II Inkhundla after his dismissal.
For a military academy, where discipline is everything, the alleged crime may have been small.
But when the alleged loot is R40 and a loaf of bread, the bigger question may be why a recruit was apparently hungry enough to risk his entire military career for lunch money and a sandwich.
R40. One loaf. One dismissal. And now, a whole lot of questions.