Cape Town – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has strongly condemned a fake video circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms, in which a man dressed in military camouflage falsely claims to be a senior commander and calls for a mutiny and an illegal march to the Union Buildings.
The SANDF labelled the video as “fake, misleading, and maliciously fabricated”, stating the man is an impersonator with no recognised position within the defence force.
“The SANDF wishes to state categorically that this video is fake, misleading, and maliciously fabricated. The individual depicted is not a recognised commander of the SANDF, and the message conveyed in the video does not reflect the position or discipline of the South African military,” SANDF said in a statement.
SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala stressed that the video is a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception, sow discord, and undermine the cohesion and operational discipline of the military.
The impersonator in the 14-minute-long clip even calls for the government to be overthrown, a message that Tshabalala said does not reflect the values or conduct of the SANDF.
The military has launched an internal investigation to trace the origin of the video and confirmed that those responsible — whether within or outside the SANDF — will face prosecution under both military and civilian law.
Members of the SANDF have been warned not to associate with or support any unlawful activities and are reminded of their constitutional duty to remain apolitical, loyal, and disciplined.
The public has also been urged not to share or further disseminate the fake video, as it poses a threat to national security and risks eroding trust in the country’s armed forces.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
