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Defence Minister Angie Motshekga briefing the media
The Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has expressed deep sadness following the tragic deaths of two South African National Defence Force members aged 33 and 39 who were swept away while crossing a low-lying bridge in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga.
The two soldiers were on patrol when the incident occurred on Christmas Day.
One member has since been found and positively identified, while the search continues for the second member, whose remains are yet to be confirmed.
Motshekga visited the scene with one of the affected family members. She said that she was very saddened by the loss, which she described as heartbreaking.
“I am very sad, to be honest. Like the MEC has said, this is a common route, but the tide was underestimated. I had the privilege of meeting them on the 23rd. We interacted, and both were on duty. It is very sad.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHmMvi0oT2s
On Monday, remains were recovered from the Komati River near the border between South Africa and Mozambique.
LT General Peter Maphaha says they are still identifying remains with a pathologist.
“At the moment, we are working with a pathologist from Tonga Hospital, the local hospital, to determine which parts have been recovered and to identify who they belong to. Once this process is complete, we will inform the family and then brief the media.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Defence says it is providing psychosocial support to the affected families and colleagues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIWpGmsknQM
Minister Motshekga says Authorities remain in constant communication with the two families as the search continues.
“We are speaking to the families two to three times a day. They are anxious and want closure. We are providing psychological support and chaplain services to help them cope during this difficult time.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUZ2TqUD8OI
