TOMBSTONE FOR SEAMAN
A South African Navy Seaman, Goodman Mthunzi Maphumulo, who died during training in 1992 was honoured by military colleagues yesterday when a tombstone was erected on his grave.
At the unveiling were, from left, Legionnaire Bryan Doré, Legionnaire Peter Smit (Vice-Chairman SA Legion: Durban Branch), Chaplain Thulani Kheswa (Chaplain Naval Base Durban), Commander Dieter Jones (Officer Commanding Naval Base Durban), Legionnaire Peter Swindell (President SA Legion: Durban Branch) Legionnaire Rick Andriés (Provincial Chairman SA Legion KZN), Councillor Ntando Khuzwayo, Councillor Peter Graham.
The South African Legion of Military Veterans learnt their fellow soldier had been buried in the Heroes Acre at the Redhill Cemetery, without a tombstone.
Legion member Johann Kruger said: ‘It was decided to show the necessary respect and honour to Seaman Maphumulo by erecting a tombstone for him.
‘Maphumulo, who was raised by his grandmother after his parent passed away, joined the SA Navy and was busy with Basic Military Training, when he tragically died during a training exercise at Midmar Dam in August 1992.’