Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe : “Tragic SANDF Murder-Suicide in DRC”

Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) tragically lost their lives in a murder-suicide incident that took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The heartbreaking event occurred on Thursday, 29 February, shocking the SANDF and the entire military community.

TWO SANDF MEMBERS DIE IN DRC

Following the incident, the SANDF officially confirmed the deaths of the two members and shared some details of what transpired.

According to reports, one SANDF member shot and killed the other before turning the gun on himself, resulting in the tragic loss of both soldiers.

These members were deployed as part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and unfortunately, both lost their lives instantly in the incident.

Colonel Selinah Rawlins, spokesperson for the SANDF, mentioned that a board of inquiry has been convened to collaborate with the MONUSCO command in investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Rawlins also stated, “The remains of the members will be repatriated to South Africa, and all families have been informed of this unfortunate tragedy.”

DEFENCE MINISTER SHOCKED BY INCIDENT

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise expressed deep shock upon learning of the tragic incident that unfolded in the DRC.

Both Minister Modise and General Rudzani Maphwanya, the chief of SANDF, have extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Prior to this incident, on Valentine’s Day, a bomb struck a SANDF military base, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to three others.

The two brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Valentine’s Day attack were identified as Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono.

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