Another SANDF Soldier Killed by a Grenade in the DRC
A South African Army Major has been killed in a grenade incident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), whilst serving under the United Nations Monusco mission there.
Major Tolla Pieterse (46) was fatally wounded on Monday 8 July when a hand grenade exploded close to his sleeping quarters in the Beni base in the eastern region of the DRC.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in a statement said it is not clear what caused the hand grenade to explode.
“It is not clear what caused the hand grenade to explode, however, a SANDF board of inquiry including the United Nations officials will be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said the SANDF in a statement.
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Nearly a dozen SANDF members have died in the DRC this year.
On 14 February, two soldiers were killed and three injured in an M23 mortar attack, while another two died on 29 February in a murder/suicide.
The following month, on 30 May, a medic was killed and 13 troops wounded during an M23 attack on Sake, and two Captains were killed on 25 June in another M23 mortar attack on Sake that also injured 20 SANDF troops.
This year, there was also a non-combat SANDF fatality who passed away in hospital in the DRC.
The SANDF said they are in the process of bringing the remains of the soldier to South Africa.
South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga sent condolence messages to the bereaved family.
South African soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community contingent which was deployed in the DRC to maintain peace and security in the country.
Another SANDF Soldier Killed by a Grenade in the DRC