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6 Nov 2009

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, regrettably announce the passing of two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who died following a parachute incident on Thursday, 5 November 2009 at approximately 10h30.

Both members were part of the January 2009 military skills development systems (MSDS) intake. When the incident happened they were undergoing scheduled static line parachute training as part of their final phase of qualifying them as paratroopers. An investigation by South African Police and a Board of Inquiry by South African National Defence Force has been convened.

The members, Rifleman John Mpshe (23) from Brits in the North West Province and Rifleman Thabang Mokoena (22) from Wepener in the Free State, where members of 44 parachute regiment based at Tempe in Bloemfontein. Funeral arrangements of the deceased will be announced once confirmed by their next of kin.

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, the acting Secretary for Defence, Mr Tsepe Motumi, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Godfrey Ngwenya and Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke have extended their sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

Enquiries:
Marthie Visser
Tel: 012 355 6302
Cell: 082 459 1893

Issued by: Department of Defence and Military Veterans
6 November 2009

Issued by: Department of Defence
6 Nov 2009

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