GroundUP (file)
A South African soldier has been killed in a fire-fight in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province during Operation Vikela.
SANDF spokesperson, Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa, said the SANDF members deployed as part of the SADC Mission in Mozambique were ambushed by “insurgents” east of Chai Village on Monday.
He said the members managed to fight through the ambush, however, while at the rendezvous awaiting the chopper, they were attacked again.
“During this incident, an SANDF member was shot and declared dead on the scene. The mortal remains of the member were flown back to the SAMIM Chai Tactical Base,” he said.
Mahapa said a further investigation is underway to determine the “extent of the injuries of personnel and loss of equipment during this unfortunate incident.”
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister, Thabang Makwetla, the Secretary of Defence Sonto Kudjoe, and SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of the soldier.
His identity has not yet been released but, Mahapa said his remains will be returned to the country in line with state protocols.
