STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS: FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE SOLDIERS WHO DIED DURING THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT EXERCISE SEBOKA IN LOHATLA

Date of Release: 25 October 2007
Embargo : None

The funeral service of Bombardier Khangelizwe Liphunah Malaza (24), will be held on Saturday 27 October 2007, in Tembisa, Gauteng, at 09:00. Her remains will thereafter be laid to rest during a full military funeral service at the Mooifontein Cemetery. She is survived by her mother, Mrs A.N Malaza.

The funeral service of Gunner Rhulani Mihaloti Mtileni (23), will be held on Saturday 27 October 2007, in Giyane, Limpopo at 09:00. Her remains will thereafter be laid to rest during a full military funeral service at the Giyane Cemetery. She is survived by her father, Mr Samuel Mtileni.

The funeral service of Gunner Rudzani Christopher Siphuma (21), will be held on Saturday 27 October 2007, in Sibasa Dzimauli Village, Venda in Limpopo at 09:00. His remains will be laid to rest during a full military funeral service at the Sibasa Dzimauli Cemetery, Venda. He is survived by his father, Mr Simon Siphuma.

The funeral service of Gunner Thapelo James Nkwana (21), will be held on Saturday 27 October 2007, in Attredgeville, Gauteng at 08:00. His remains will thereafter be laid to rest during a semi military funeral service, as requested by the family at the Lotus Gardens Cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Mrs Anna Nkwana.

A combined funeral service for Gunner Botse Seipato (21), and Gunner Samuel Vusumuzi Siphiwe Nyembe (22), will be held on Saturday 27 October 2007, in Mabopane, Gauteng at 07:00. Their remains will be laid to rest during a full military funeral service at the Klipgat Cemetery. Gunner Botse Seipato is survived by his mother, Mrs. Paulinah Seipato, whilst Gunner Samuel Vusumuzi Siphiwe Nyembe is survived by his sister, Ms Thabisile Nyembe.

The funeral service of Gunner Sebenzile Veronica Nhlabathi (20), will be held on Sunday 28 October, 2007 at Ezakheni in Ladysmith, Kwazulu Natal at 10:00. Her remains will be laid to rest during a full military funeral service at the Ezakheni Cemetery. She is survived by her sister, Ms Hlengiwe Nhlabathi.

The soldiers being laid to rest were among the nine members of the SANDF who died on Friday October 12, 2007, following an accident during Exercise Seboka.

Members of the public are advised that the full military funeral services will include three volleys of rifle fire, from 12 rifles (firing blanks).

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, on behalf of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF, General Godfrey Ngwenya has extended their sincerest heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

ENDS

Issued by : The Department of Defence
Private Bag X161
Pretoria
0001

Telephone : (012) 355 6302 or 072 538 6888

Enquiries : Brigadier General Kwena Mangope