SANDF soldier fatally stabs two fellow members at Mpumalanga military base
A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier allegedly stabbed and killed two fellow soldiers before attempting to take his own life at the Macadamia Military Base in Mpumalanga.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday at the base situated just outside Komatipoort.
The SANDF, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has launched a full investigation into the matter.
In a statement released, the SANDF said: “The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified.”
Initial reports from the SANDF mistakenly stated that the soldier had used a firearm to shoot the victims and then killed himself.
However, the military has since corrected this, confirming that the victims were stabbed and that the suspect survived a suicide attempt.
SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, speaking to Newzroom Afrika, described the incident as a devastating moment for the defence force.
“At the moment, we are sending our deepest condolences as the South African National Defence Force on behalf of the minister and the chief of SANDF. This is a really deeply painful moment for the organisation and the military community at large,” he said.
The identities of the two deceased soldiers have not yet been made public.
Updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
IOL