Pretoria – At least five soldiers lost their lives in a huge fire that engulfed the South African National Defence Force training centre in Lohatla in the Northern Cape.
The fire broke out at about 13:45 on Friday when soldiers were taking part in preparations for the annual SA Army exercise, “Exercise Vukuhlome”.
Announcing the tragedy, the Department of Defence said: “On Friday afternoon, a huge fire with a windspeed of 70 kilometres per hour from a nearby mine rolled into the western part of the training area of the CTC [Combat Training Centre]”.
On Saturday morning the South African National Defence Union (SANDU) said as a result of the fire: “Five members of the SANDF – four males and one female – lost their lives and several other members were injured.
Multiple military vehicles, tents, and various equipment were destroyed in the fire.
“SANDU expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” the union said.
“Yet another tragedy has now claimed the lives of South African soldiers bringing to a total of 12 soldiers lost in the past three weeks.”
The union said the SANDF will convene an inquiry to determine, among other things, the circumstances leading to the loss of personnel and equipment.
Major General R.E Mercuur said the South African army was assessing the situation.
The SA Army, Minister of Defence Thandie Modise, and other top officials also sent their condolences to the families of the deceased.
