Other military, air force fatalities in war-torn country

The SA Air Force (SAAF) members and other former colleagues in uniform came together in a sombre gathering at the SA Composite Helicopter Unit (CHU) in Goma, in the DRC, on Wednesday to mark a year since the death of flight engineer Sergeant Vusimusi Mabena.

He was hit when an Oryx flown by Captain Mathew Allan and co-pilot Major Omolemo Matlapeng came under fire from rebels on 5 February, 2023. His death was the first fatality in the CHU’s 15-year existence.

On 25 March, 2023 in Central African Republic, 13 soldiers from 1 Parachute Battalion were killed and 27 injured in the Battle for Bangui after they were deployed without either air or armour support. They are:

Corporal Mokgadi Darius Seakamela;

Corporal Ntebaleng Andrew

Mogorosi;

Lance corporal Daniel Sello Molara;

Lance corporal Lukas Mohapi Tsheke;

Rifleman Lesego Maxwell Hertzog;

Rifleman Zamani Jim Mxhosana;

Rifleman Xolani Dlamini; Rifleman Vusumzi Joseph Ngaleka;

Rifleman Karabo Edwin

Matsheka;

Rifleman Khomotso Paul Msenga;

Rifleman Maleisane Samuel Thulo;

Rifleman Motsamai William Bojane; and

Rifleman Thabiso Anthon Phirimana;

Battle Honours were conferred to three SA military unis – 1 Parachute Battalion, 5 Reconnaissance Regiment, and 7 Medical

Battalion:

5 February, 2023: Sergeant Vusimusi Mabena killed;

3 June, 2021: Corporal Simanga Arthur Khuselo, 37, Unit 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment, Potchefstroom, killed in “friendly fire incident”; and

19 December, 2016: Rifleman Moalosi Albert Mokhothu killed during an attack by a Mai Mai militia in Butembo, eastern DRC. –