The aftermath of the fire. Picture: Supplied
SIX SANDF soldiers died and three others suffered second-degree burn wounds following a fire at the South African Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) at Lohatla in the Northern Cape.
The fire broke out at around 1.45pm on Friday.
It is reported that the fire rolled over from the western border of the mine that is next to the training area.
SANDF spokesperson Major-General Rene Mercuur said the three injured soldiers were hospitalised.
"Elements of the South African Army were deployed in the vicinity in preparation for the annual South African Army exercise, "Excercise Vukuhlome", when the fire broke out,” said Mercuur.
"The names of the deceased soldiers will be released once their next of kin have been informed. At this moment the focus is to contain the fire and to account for all members who were in the area where the fire occurred.
"The fire has also destroyed camping equipment and vehicles. The South African Army is currently assessing the situation on the ground and further information will be communicated in due course," Mercuur said.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobile Gamede, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, Rudzani Maphwanya, and the Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant-General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, extend their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six members who tragically lost their lives.
The Northern Cape SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, also expressed her condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of the six soldiers who died in the veld fire at Lohatla.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said four male and two female SANDF members died during the incident.
"The police in Kathu are investigating an inquest following the death of six SANDF members. On October 6, 2023, veld fires swept through Kathu in the Gamagara municipal district and spread to Lohatla Army Combat Training Centre. The six members died in hospital. Vehicles, tents and equipment were also destroyed. The SANDF will launch an investigation and the names of the deceased will be released once their next of kin have been informed," said Ehlers.
The Northern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs said it is aware of the incident and has escalated the matter to the head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) for intervention.
Department spokesperson Tshenolo Maruti-Sebolai said MEC Bentley Vass has also been informed.
"In most cases, the SANDF activates its own choppers to extinguish fires. The Fire Protection Association works closely with the SANDF. Should the SANDF require additional assistance, it will be done through the Provincial Joint Intelligence Structure, which will then escalate to the National Joint Intelligence Structure for a directive on the deployment of additional support," said Maruti-Sebolai.