A combined memorial service took place in Upington for the four soldiers of 8 South African Infantry Battalion (8 SAI) who passed away last week.
The memorial service took place on Wednesday morning, 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, approximately 90 km outside Upington while on their way to the SA Army’s Combat Training Centre at Lohatlha to take part in Exercise Vukuhlome, Brig. Gen. Andries Mahapa, director of SANDF Communication, said earlier.
Mahapa said one Samil 50 truck was towing another Samil 50 that became unserviceable en route. The Samil that was towed, experienced a front right tyre burst, causing both vehicles to roll.
Four members of the South African National Defence Force (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 during the accident.
The SANDF also stated that the full military funeral arrangements of the four members will be as follows:
- Petlane will be buried on 30 September in Zastron;
- Samuels will be buried on 30 September in Koffiefontein;
- Siko will be buried on 30 September in Soweto; and
- Pieterson will be buried on 7 October in Kimberley.
