A combined memorial service took place in Upington for the four soldiers of the 8 South African Infantry Battalion (8 SAI) who recently passed away.
The memorial service took place on 27 September at 8 SAI for Rfn T.M. Petlane, Rfn C.N. Samuels, Rfn L. Siko and Rfn T.S. Pieterson.
They lost their lives in an accident on 20 September, 90 km outside Upington while on their way to the SA Army’s Combat Training Centre at Lohatla to take part in Exercise Vukuhlome, it was earlier confirmed by Brig. Gen. Andries Mahapa, director of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Communication.
Mahapa said one Samil 50 truck had been towing another, having become unserviceable en route. The Samil that was being towed experienced a front right tyre burst, causing both vehicles to roll.
Four members of the SANDF were ejected from the truck they were travelling in and a Samil fell on top of them. They were confirmed dead on the scene. Two other were critically injured and nine sustained minor injuries.
Full military funerals took place on 30 September for Petlane in Zastron; Samuels in Koffiefontein; and Siko in Soweto. Pieterson will be buried on 7 October in Kimberley.
