Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) tragically lost their lives when the army truck they were traveling in overturned on the R31 road in the Northern Cape. The incident occurred on Friday, 7 February, as the truck was en route from Lohatla Army base to Kimberley. The truck was carrying 19 SANDF personnel, and the crash resulted in the deaths of a male and a female soldier, while 17 others sustained injuries.
The accident took place between Koopmansfontein and Delportshoop, with the truck reportedly traveling under wet weather conditions. The injured personnel were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment, though their conditions have not been disclosed. The identities of the deceased are still pending, as authorities await notification of their next of kin.
The police have launched a culpable homicide investigation into the incident, with authorities working to determine the official cause of the crash. Lt-Col Sergio Kock confirmed that the truck was traveling as part of a routine movement of SANDF members, and the investigation will include assessing whether weather conditions played a role in the tragic event.
A video of the wreckage surfaced online, showing personnel and civilians at the scene, inspecting the damage. As the investigation unfolds, the SANDF community and the public await more details on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the tragic loss of life.
