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It is with anger and disappointment that I read a statement in the morning press attributed to Mr. Roelf Meyer, deputy president of the United Democratic Movement, in which he reportedly said that more troops died during the SADC operation in Lesotho than has been admitted by the SANDF.

As a former Minister of Defence, he ought to know that it is extremely difficult to deviate from the truth when it comes to announcing the deaths of South African soldiers, due to the simple fact that in a democracy you cannot stop a bereaved family from placing a death notice in a newspaper.

That was the case in his time - when the National Party tried, and failed, to suppress news of SADF border deaths - and it is even more so now that the press is truly free for the first time.

Three press statements revealing the names of South African soldiers killed in action were released during the SADC operation.

On 22nd September 1998 the deaths of Captain (DR.) Johan Nel and Corporal Jerome Sax were revealed.

Later the same day the deaths in action of the following soldiers were announced:

Lance Corporal Mothupi
Private Tshweu
Rifleman Magwazana
Rifleman Mangogape

On 25th September the deaths in action of Lance Corporals Mtengwane and Mafuta were made known to the public.

These names account for the eight SANDF members who died in action.

Subsequently a ninth has died as a result of an accident involving a Ratel infantry fighting vehicle.

It is disgraceful that Roelf Meyer should try to cheapen the honourable deaths of nine South African soldiers for the sake of some petty political agenda of his own.

Mr. Meyer, give us a proof or withdraw your reckless allegation!

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Private Bag X427
Pretoria
0001

Enquiries: Puso Tladi - 082 628 0858

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