Central SA
Northern Cape police investigate culpable homicide after SANDF truck accident─── ZENANDE MPAME 08:52 Sat, 08 Feb 2025
Police in the Northern Cape are investigating a culpable homicide after two people were killed and 17 injured in a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) truck accident.
The accident occurred on the R31 road between Koopmansfontein and Delportshoop. On Friday (7/2), the truck was traveling with 19 SANDF members from Lohatla Army base enroute to Kimberley.
The truck was allegedly travelling in rainy weather conditions. “The cause of the accident forms part of the police investigation,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergio Kock. “The identities of the deceased are not known as their next of kin must still be informed.”
Meanwhile, the repatriation of the deceased members of SANDF from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been delayed by a day due to the United Nations planned movement.
It is expected that by Saturday (8/2) afternoon the bodies will arrive in Entebbe and they will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.
“Following delays that were encountered in the movement of the remains of the deceased from the DRC to Uganda, the SANDF can confirm the movement is now underway,” said SANDF head of communication Siphiwe Dlamini.”
“The movement is conducted by the United Nations and further updates will be communicated.”
On Thursday evening (6/2), President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his State of Nation Address that South African flags are flying at half-mast for seven days starting on Friday in mourning of the 14 soldiers killed in Goma.
“We gather here as we mourn the tragic death and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the SANDF members at the 2025 State of the Nation Address in Cape Town. Photo: X
They lost their lives during recent operations in the DRC. The soldiers hailed from various provinces, including the Free State and Northern Cape.
They are S. Sgt William Eddie Cola, S. Sgt Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, S. Sgt Shwahlane Theophilius Seepe, Corp. Matome Justice Malesa, Corp. Rinae Nemavhulani, L. Brig. Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, L/Cpl Tseke Moffat Molapo, L/Cpl. Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rfn Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rfn Derrick Maluleke, Rfn Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rfn Calvin Louis Moagi, Rfn Mokeke Joseph Mobe, and priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom.
