National Council conveys condolences to slain soldiers families

By Rhode Marshall
17 October 2007

The National Council of Provinces Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs has called on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to do a thorough investigation into the accidental deaths of soldiers at the Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatlha in the Northern Cape last Friday.


The committee says it believes that the outcome of the investigation will allow the government to implement ways in which accidents like the Lohatlha one to be prevented.


Chairperson of the committee, Kgosi Mokoena said in a statement that that he and his council wished to extend their "sincere and heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved families and wishes all the injured a speedy recovery."


Nine of the soldiers participating in the training session died and 15 sustained severe wounds and are currently in Bloemfontein hospitals.