Private repair shop booted off navy base

The South African Navy said yesterday it has launched an investigation after a private mechanical repair shop was found to be operating from one of its bases in Cape Town.

Navy spokesperson Commander Greyling van den Berg said chief of the South African Navy Vice-Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane, was made aware of a civilian company operating from SAS Wingfield without the required authority.

“A whistle-blower reported this situation to the Navy headquarters and that resulted in a surprise visit by the chief to SAS Wingfield yesterday,” Van den Berg said.

“It came to light that a civilian mechanical repair workshop is operating from one of the unused sheds on the base.

“The chief sees this matter in an extremely serious light and will leave no stone unturned to determine who authorised this arrangement and whether any naval officer may have benefited unduly.

“The company in question will be ordered to vacate the premises.” – ANA