SANDF Soldier Granted R6 000 Bail After Weapon And Claymore Mine Found Buried At Cape Flats Home

A member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been released on R6 000 bail after police allegedly uncovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and a Claymore anti-personnel mine at his Eureka Estate residence.

Jonathan Levendal, 52, briefly appeared before the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Monday following his arrest.

Authorities claim the discovery was made on 26 February when Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officers searched a property in Delphi Street, Eureka Estate. During the operation, police reportedly found a steel container concealed beneath concrete at the premises.

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Inside the box, officers allegedly uncovered rifle magazines, ammunition, firearm parts and a Claymore anti-personnel mine.

Levendal now faces charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives. The matter has been postponed until 6 May to allow for further investigation.

SANDF Member Granted Bail

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the court granted Levendal bail of R6 000. His release has sparked strong reactions in the surrounding community, particularly given the nature of the items allegedly seized.

Military analyst Helmoed-Römer Heitman described the alleged possession of explosives by a SANDF member as “very serious” and potentially a court-martial offence.

Heitman said: “Most firearms are supposed to be kept in a locked armoury. A Claymore [mine] and explosives are totally out. They are only issued for specific purposes and must be handed back if not used.”

He added that weapons and explosives were in a completely different category from minor ammunition violations.

Heitman stated: “Even if not intended for criminal use, having explosives at home is dangerous to everyone in that home.”

According to Heitman, the case could point to serious internal control failures within the soldier’s unit. He stressed that firm legal action would be vital in preserving public confidence.

Cape Flats Safety Fears Over Military-Grade Weapons

The find has also alarmed anti-crime campaigners on the Cape Flats, where gang violence remains a persistent challenge.

Elsies River crime activist Imraahn Mukaddam described the situation as “extremely shocking”.

He said: “The most alarming part is the discovery of a Claymore device, one of the most dangerous weapons used in combat, to cause maximum casualties.

“That such a device could find its way onto the Cape Flats, and possibly into the hands of gangs, is deeply concerning, especially at a time when the army has been deployed into gang conflict areas.”

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Mukaddam said the development raises serious questions about how weapons meant to be under strict state control end up in communities already plagued by violence.

He adds: “We have to build trust between the state and our communities that it can provide safety.

“But developments like this erode that trust, and the state has to take control of its arms.”

The case returns to court in May as investigations continue.