Another South African soldier has died in Sudan.
The Department of Defence says a corporal was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen at a water point yesterday evening.
“This tragic incident occurred at a water point about three kilometres from Kutum base in Sudan,’ says spokesman Brigadier General Kwena Mangope.
“Corporal Benjamin Titus (34), was on duty at the water point with other members of his unit. At approximately 18:00 (local time), two men approached and opened fire on the soldiers,” Mngope says.
“Corporal Titus was hit and died instantly, while another soldier was also shot and injured. The injured soldier has been transferred to the United Nations Hospital at Al Fasher and is in a serious but stable condition.
“The situation around the base is being closely monitored.”
Titus was based at 10 South African Infantry Battalion, Mafikeng, and was deployed in Sudan as a member of the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur. He is survived by his wife Belinda Titus.
“The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Godfrey Ngwenya, has ordered that a Board of Inquiry be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Mangope adds.
“The Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, on behalf of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the South Africa National Defence Force, General Godfrey Ngwenya, have extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the deceased.”
In September a 21-year-old woman infantry soldier was stung by a scorpion at the Mahla base in Darfur. She died after being admitted to hospital.
