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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, extends the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the families of four members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who died due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Orkney in the North West Province.
 
The four defence force members were found inside a container that was being used as a guard house for those deployed on 24-hour duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. The operation was set up to combat illegal mining in Orkney. The committee notes that it is possible that the deaths might be due to a fire made by SANDF soldiers inside the structure to keep warm during the cold night.
 
The committee notes with concern that the SANDF has suffered several deaths of its members, including those who died as part of the United Nations stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The committee extends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased soldiers as well as to the entire SANDF family.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Dakota Legoete