Fourteen members sustained injuries and four are still in critical condition in a Northern Cape hospital. Corp. Mamonyane, L/Cpl Maine, and priv. Badinwang lost their lives.

Two passengers died on impact when a Samil military truck overturned on its way from Lohathla to Kimberley in rainy weather conditions on Friday (7/2). “The SANDF is mourning the passing of its members and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the families of the three members who lost their lives,” said SANDF spokesperson RA Prince Tshabalala.

“The Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, Deputy Ministers of Defence, Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, Chief of the SANDF Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, and Chief of the South African Army, Lt Gen. Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha offers their prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.”

Northern Cape police are still investigating a case of culpable. “The cause of the accident forms part of the police investigation,” said provincial spokesperson Sergio Kock.

Meanwhile, the remains of 14 SANDF soldiers were officially handed over to their grieving families after they were killed during a peacekeeping mission in the volatile eastern DRC.

Three were from the Free State, while the Northern Cape and North West each lost one soldier, including S. Sgt Ishmael Molahlehi and L/Bdr Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo.

Family members have shared memories of their final conversations with their loved ones. Molahlehi’s daughter Thato, from Thaba Nchu, said her father had always emphasised the importance of standing up for oneself and working hard for a brighter future.

The family of L/Bdr Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo (36) is preparing for his burial in Mahikeng on Saturday (22/2). His uncle, Jerry Moreo, said the family is devastated over his untimely death but has a sense of closure now that his remains have returned home.

OFM NEWS/Zenande Mpame mvh