The chairperson of a portfolio committee on defence and military veterans, Cyril Xaba, is saddened by the death of four SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members.
It has been reported that the defence force members died in a tragic accident in Upington, Northern Cape on Thursday.
According to the SANDF the deceased, who were attached to the South African 8 Infantry Battalion, died when two military vehicles travelling to Lohatlha from Upington overturned and crashed.
The accident, which happened at about 1pm, took place when a military truck that was being towed by another had a tyre burst, which caused both vehicles to overturn.
It is believed that some of the military men were ejected out of the trucks while others were crushed and died on the scene.
The committee sent its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
Xaba assured the families that the committee is with them during this difficult time.
“May their souls rest in eternal peace. The committee wishes those who survived the accident a speedy recovery.”
At the time of the accident, it is understood that the deceased were part of a military exercise dubbed Vukuhlome, which involves several battalions.
Two defence force members were critically injured while nine others escaped with minor injuries. All the injured were rushed to Dr Harry Surtie Hospital in Upington.
The accident comes a day after the death of Gillian Malouw, the first female submarine navigator in the South African Navy.
Malouw succumbed to injuries in a submarine disaster alongside two other navy officers on Wednesday.
Others navy officers who died in the accident are Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela.
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