SANDF Investigates Fake Commander in Viral TikTok Video

(The Post News)– The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is investigating a viral video circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms that falsely depicts a high-ranking SANDF official.

In the video, an impersonator, claiming to be an SANDF commander, urges the public to march to the Union Buildings and demand that the government step down, declaring, “We cannot be victims in our own country.”

The video has raised concerns among TikTok users, many of whom questioned whether the individual was a genuine SANDF commander. Comments flooded the platform, with users expressing doubt and ridicule:

“Is this a real commander? What’s his name?” – Phill.K031ZN
“Who is this commander that sits alone and conducts a press briefing alone? I mean, alone. Is this man really an SANDF commander?” – Pat Mzumbe
“He is not an SANDF member; he is a street commander!” – Lovely
“Fake, eh, commander?” – Natie

However, the SANDF has dismissed the video as fake, deceptive, and deliberately fabricated. SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral (junior grade) Prince Tshabalala said that the person in the video is not an official SANDF commander and added that the individual is trying to encourage an unlawful military strike.

Rear Admiral Tshabalala confirmed that a formal inquiry is underway to trace the origin of the video, with those responsible facing legal action under both military and civilian law. The video has garnered significant attention online, prompting swift responses from military authorities to curb misinformation.

journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net