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The DA wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the six SANDF soldiers who lost their lives, and the injured, during a devastating fire at the SA Army's Combat Training Centre in Lohatlha in the Northern Cape on Friday.

The soldiers who died are Staff Sergeant Abraham Desember Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Berrington Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Wiseman Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Faith Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Michael Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Purity Zulu.

Three soldiers suffered second degree burn wounds, while others sustained minor injuries.

The DA thanks the SANDF members who did exceptional work to limit the further loss of life and damage to the facility and equipment. We call on Defence Minister Thandi Modise to launch an independent investigation to provide closure after the horrific incident and to ensure that the necessary preventive measures are in place.

We also pay tribute to the farming community that used their own equipment to help fight the blaze.

Issued by Kobus Marais MP - DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans