UPDATE: FATAL SHOOTING AT THE SA AIR FORCE COLLEGE, 08 NOV 2007

Date: Friday, 09 November 2007
Embargo: None

Subject: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NAME OF THE DECEASED OFFICER

The Department of Defence would like to announce the following on the shooting incident that took place at the SA Air Force College on Thursday, 08 November 2007 where a senior officer was shot dead and a second was critically injured.

The late Lieutenant Colonel Authen Dominic Stevens (40) was at the time of the tragedy appointed as the Training Co-ordinator at the SA Air Force College in Thaba Tshwane.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Josslyn Stevens (40) and his two children, his daughter Loren (12) and his son Tristan (9).

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, 13 November 2007 at Thaba Tshwane Town Hall starting at 12h00pm. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Lieutenant Colonel Lesgaak Karan (43) is appointed as the Senior Directing Staff (SDS) at the Officers Development Wing responsible for the preparation and development of officers in the SA Air Force. He underwent an operation at 1 Military Hospital last night and his condition is critical but stable.

Social Workers and the Chaplains have been sent to the Unit since the tragedy occurred to assist counsel members affected by the tragedy. Serious cases have been referred to Military Psychologists at 1 Military Hospital for further counseling.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, on behalf of the Department of Defence, Chief of the SANDF, General Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the SA Air Force, Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano and the Officer Commanding SA Air College, Colonel Lembede have extended their sincerest sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased and injured.

The late Lieutenant Colonel Authen Dominic Stevens

ENDS.

Issued by : Department of Defence (Pretoria)

Inquiries : Brigadier General Kwena Mangope
Telephone : (012) 355 6302 or 072 538 6888