The Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga, has reacted with dismay to the incident involving two soldiers who were swept away by a strong current in the Komati River in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, during a routine patrol under Operation CORONA near Macadamia military base.
The incident which took place on Christmas, claimed two lives, with one body still missing.
Motshekga visited the family of one of the deceased soldiers, to convey condolences and offer support.
“We only have one member whose family has been identified.
From here, they will be taken to the morgue to confirm and then we are deciding as to how the body will be repatriated to Mahikeng.
We are in constant communication with the other family to update them because they are very anxious.
Their biggest worry is to find their child and find closure,” said Motshekga when she briefed the media on the sidelines of her visit.
She adds that the Defence medical team will support the process of the DNA testing of the remains that were found at the river, believed to be of the missing soldier.
Motshekga described the mood at the military base as a sombre one following the incident caused by adverse weather conditions.
Furthermore, the South African Weather Service (SAWS), has appealed to the public to heed weather warnings and plan accordingly.
Predicted conditions of heavy downpours, damaging winds and severe thunderstorms among others, are expected to persist into the new year.
