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22 September 2023
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Four SANDF members killed in service vehicle incident
Four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members died on Wednesday, 20 September 2023, after an incident involving two service vehicles. SANDF spokesperson Brigadier-General Andries Mokoena Mahapa said the members were travelling in a SA Military (SAMIL) 50 vehicle, which was towing an unserviceable version of the same model.
The towed vehicle then burst its right front tyre.
Mahapa said both cars rolled and four members were declared dead at the scene. 11 others received treatment at the Dr Harry Surtie Hospital. Two had severe injuries, while nine had minor injuries.
The incident happened 90km from Upington in the Northern Cape.
The SANDF said the names of the four members who passed on are Private TM Petlane, Rifleman CN Samuels, Rifleman L Siko and Rifleman TS Pieterson.
The members were travelling to the South African Army Combat Training Centre.
A combined memorial service will be held on 27 September at 8 SAI Inf Bn in Upington at 09h00.
Petlane will be buried on 30 September in Zastron; Samuels will be buried on 30 September in Koffiefontein, Siko will be buried on 30 September in Soweto and Pieterson will be buried on 7 October in Kimberley.
The SA National Defence Union said, "This incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks our dedicated servicemen and servicewomen face daily in their unwavering commitment to defending our nation. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives."
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha and the Officer Commanding of 8 SAI Bn, Lieutenant Colonel TA Joseph, extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the four soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, the SANDF said in a statement.
The four soldiers died on the same day as three Navy submariners passed away after being swept off the submarine SAS Manthatisi in rough seas off the Cape coast.
Source: News 24, Defence Web
The towed vehicle then burst its right front tyre.
Mahapa said both cars rolled and four members were declared dead at the scene. 11 others received treatment at the Dr Harry Surtie Hospital. Two had severe injuries, while nine had minor injuries.
The incident happened 90km from Upington in the Northern Cape.
The SANDF said the names of the four members who passed on are Private TM Petlane, Rifleman CN Samuels, Rifleman L Siko and Rifleman TS Pieterson.
The members were travelling to the South African Army Combat Training Centre.
A combined memorial service will be held on 27 September at 8 SAI Inf Bn in Upington at 09h00.
Petlane will be buried on 30 September in Zastron; Samuels will be buried on 30 September in Koffiefontein, Siko will be buried on 30 September in Soweto and Pieterson will be buried on 7 October in Kimberley.
The SA National Defence Union said, "This incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks our dedicated servicemen and servicewomen face daily in their unwavering commitment to defending our nation. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives."
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha and the Officer Commanding of 8 SAI Bn, Lieutenant Colonel TA Joseph, extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the four soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, the SANDF said in a statement.
The four soldiers died on the same day as three Navy submariners passed away after being swept off the submarine SAS Manthatisi in rough seas off the Cape coast.
Source: News 24, Defence Web