SA National Defence Force deaths

[sabadgeman]

Cops, army probe accident scene
12/10/2007 21:06 - (SA)

9 SA soldiers die in 'accident'

Bloemfontein - Nine SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were killed in a shooting accident during an anti-aircraft gun training exercise at the Lohatla combat training area in the Northern Cape on Friday.

A further 15 soldiers were injured in the incident, one of them critically, SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Kwena Mangope said.

The injured were taken to 3 Military Hospital and Pelonomi Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein, where the critically injured soldier was being treated.

Free State health department spokesperson Elke de Witt said five soldiers were admitted to the trauma unit at Pelonomi and were in a stable condition.

"Most are being treated for fracture injuries," De Witt said.

The condition of the soldiers admitted to 3 Military Hospital at Tempe was not yet known.

Mangope said 24 soldiers were taking part in a training event involving 35mm MK5 anti-aircraft guns during Exercise Seboka when the accident happened at about 09:00.

The area where the accident took place had been cordoned off and police and military police were investigating at the scene.

Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and SANDF chief General Godfrey Ngwenya extended their condolences to the families of the deceased.

Exercise Seboka is an annual joint conventional military exercise, involving close on 5000 soldiers, including 18 army units and various air force, navy and military health service units.

Cops, army probe accident scene: South Africa: News: News24

[Woodmonkey]

May they rest in peace and prayers for the injured.