STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS: SANDF SOLDIER DIES IN SUDAN

Date of Release: 01 September 2008
Embargo : None

The Department of Defence regrets to announce that a soldier deployed in Sudan has died. Corporal Sydney Melvin Williams (40), died on Thursday 28 August 2008, after allegedly shooting himself.

A Board of Inquiry will be convened to determine the circumstances that lead to his death.

Corporal Williams, from 10 South African Infantry Battalion, Mafikeng was stationed at the Mellit Military Base in Sudan, and was deployed in support of the United Nations/African Union Mission in Sudan.

Corporal Williams is survived by his fiancée, Miss F.M. Wittles.

ENDS

Issued by : Department of Defence
Private Bag X161
Pretoria
0001

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