A South African National Defense Force (SANDF) soldier was shot dead in a friendly fire incident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the early hours of Thursday, June 3rd.
According to the SANDF, the soldier, who was deployed as part of a peacekeeping mission in the country, was killed while taking part in an operation in Kilia, the eastern DRC.
Spokesperson Brigadier-General Mafi Mgobozi said details around the friendly fire incident were still sketchy, adding a board of inquiry has been convened to investigate it.
“The identity of the deceased will be confirmed once the SANDF has formally informed the family and the next kin,” Mgobozi added
The South African Defense and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Her Deputy, Thabang Makwetla, Secretary for Defense Sonto Kudjoe, and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya have since extended their condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
