STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

STATEMENT BY SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) HEADQUARTERS PRETORIA: THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF A SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE SOLDIER IN SUDAN

Date of Release: 30 October 2008
Embargo : None

The Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, regrets to announce the death of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier, following a shooting incident in Sudan on Wednesday 29 October 2008.

This tragic incident occurred at a water point about three kilometres from Kutum base in Sudan. Corporal Ben, Benjamin Titus (34), was on duty at the water point with other members of his unit. At approximately 18:00 (local time), two unknown men approached and opened fire on the soldiers. Corporal Titus was hit and died instantly, while another soldier was also shot and injured. The injured soldier has been transferred to the United Nations Hospital at Al Fasher and is in a serious but stable condition.

The situation around the base is being closely monitored.

Corporal Titus was based at 10 South African Infantry Battalion, Mafikeng, and was deployed in Sudan as a member of the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Belinda Titus.

The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Godfrey Ngwenya, has ordered that a Board of Inquiry be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, on behalf of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the South Africa National Defence Force, General Godfrey Ngwenya, have extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the deceased.

Ends
Released by: The Ministry of Defence
Private Bag X161
Pretoria
0001

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