Hungry Soldier Booted From Academy as Food Shortage Claims Rock Military Camp

A Swazi Army recruit has been dismissed from military training after allegedly stealing just R40 and a loaf of bread from a fellow recruit — a bizarre incident that has sparked questions about conditions at the country’s military academy.

Siyanda Myeni, from Mbangweni under Shiselweni II Inkhundla, was expelled from the MbuluzI Military Academy and ordered to leave after allegedly taking the money and bread from another recruit.

Yes R40 and one loaf of bread.

But beneath the seemingly minor theft allegation lies a more serious concern: claims that recruits at the academy have been struggling to get enough food.

Military sources cited by Swaziland News reportedly said the alleged theft occurred amid food shortages at the academy. There are also claims that training began before sufficient funding had been secured for the recruits’ needs.

Army Commander Moses MashikilIsane Fakudze is reported to have ordered Myeni’s dismissal.

Myeni had successfully qualified during the latest Tinkhundla recruitment exercise, but his military career was abruptly brought to an end.

The incident has also raised questions about alleged double standards within the army following claims that Captain Foster Fakudze, the Army Commander’s son, was previously caught stealing beef at the academy but was not dismissed.

According to the report, some officers who worked with him were instead transferred to other army barracks.

These claims could not be independently verified.

Shiselweni II Indvuna Yenkhundla Ndumiso Lucas Nzima confirmed that Myeni had been dismissed but declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the case, referring questions to Myeni 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.

In another unusual development, Myeni was reportedly not replaced by another recruit from Shiselweni II Inkhundla following his dismissal.

For a military academy, where discipline is expected to be paramount, the alleged offence may appear minor.

But when the alleged stolen items amount to just R40 and a loaf of bread, the incident raises a bigger question: why was a recruit apparently desperate enough for food to risk his entire military career?

R40. One loaf of bread. One dismissal.

And now, a whole lot of questions.