File
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was saddened at the death of six soldiers who died in a fire that that struck the SA Army Combat Training Centre at the Lohatla military base on Saturday.
Ramaphosa said the troops were part of a military exercise named Vukuhlome.
The South African National Defence Force said that a wildfire that had originated in Khathu in the Gamagara local municipality and had reached the military base where six soldiers died in the blaze.
Three other sustained serious burns and were hospitalised for further treatment.
The SANDF said it last it also lost equipment including vehicles.
“President Ramaphosa offers his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased SANDF members,” the Presidency said.
On Sunday, the SANDF released the identities of the deceased members.
They were Staff Sergeant Abraham Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Zulu.
