The South African Police Service(SAPS) in Kathu are investigating the mysterious death of six South African National Defence Force(SANDF) soldiers who perished on fire.
According to SAPS,on Friday,06 October 2023,raging veld fires swept through Kathu in the Gamagara Municipality District and spread to the Lohatla SA Army Combat Training Centre.
Police confirmed that four males and one female died on the scene and one female died in hospital.
Police added that vehicles,tents and equipment were also destroyed.
Police maintained that the SANDF will launch an investigation.The names of the deceased will be released after the next of kin have been informed.
The SAPS Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner,Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola expressed her heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of the fallen soldiers.
The South African Army has released its media statement where it confirmed the number of soldiers who died during that fire.
"It is with deep sadness that the South African National Defence Force wishes to inform the media houses and the public of the fire incident that broke out on 06 October 2023 at about 13:45 at the South African Army Combat Training Centre(CTC) in the Northern Cape Province.It is reported that the fire rolled-over from the western border of the mine that is next to the training area in CTC.Elements of the SA Army are currently deployed in the vicinity in preparation for the annual SA Army exercise,EXERCISE VUKUHLOME and were deployed in the vicinity the fire occurred.
"It was reported that six soldiers of the South African Army lost their lives during this incident,and three were injured with second degree burns has been evacuated to the nearest hospital.The names of the deceased soldiers will be released once the next of kin have been informed.
"At the moment the focus is to contain the fire and to account for all members who were in the area where the fire occurred.The fire brigade are doing everything in their power to extinguish the fire which has resulted in destroying camping equipment and vehicles.
"The South African Army is currently assessing the situation on the ground and further information regarding this incident will be communicated in due course as the investigation is still under way.
"The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,Ms Thandi Modise,Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,Thabang Makwetla,Acting Secretary for Defence,Dr Thobile Gamede,Chief of the South African National Defence Force,General Rudzani Maphanywa and Chief of the South African Army,Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha extend their deepest condolences to the families,friends and colleagues of the six SA Army members who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,"said Major General R.E Mercuur.