Karabo Rammutla
A mysterious shooting incident on Saturday has left one soldier dead and two injured.
The three, who were off duty, were shot in Atteridgeville, west of Tshwane.
The three were together when the incident occurred. It is not yet known where the attack came from or who was involved.
Spokesperson for the South African National Defence Force, Brigadier General Andries Mahapa, said the police are investigating the matter.
Mahapa said the two soldiers that survived the shooting were rushed to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane.
He said the motive for the attack is still unknown.
“We are currently not sure about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but the deceased’s name will be confirmed once the next of kin has been notified.”
Mahapa said it wasn’t known if the soldiers had been robbed.
“At this point, there’s no confirmation if there’s any weapon that was taken from any of the soldiers. However we hope that SAPS will make it a point that they apprehend the perpetrator so that they can be faced with the full might of the law,” he said.
Mahapa said Defence Minister Thandi Modise and her deputy, Thabang Makwetla, sent their deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened at Atteridgeville Police Station.
“No arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing,” Masondo said.
